Ásgeir
In The Silence
One Little Indian
4/5
Oliver Walkden
LA based producer Jerome LOL, née Jerome Potter, flaunts his identity as an internet artist: his blog boasts a prolific portfolio of collages and images. Jerome is identified as a member of the Seapunk community; a movement started in the US through social media and upheld by their synth playing, tumblr blogging, 90s house worshipping, blue haired, marine loving mascots. Along with Markus Garcia, Potter was member of the LOL Boys. Appropriately enough, the two met online but soon disbanded so Potter could focus on his solo project – a seemingly wise decision. Kicking off with ‘Deleted’ – a catchy, mellow house tune – the lyrics reflect youth culture’s use of the internet as a tool for connectivity and the song actually seems to question social media’s ability in allowing us to meaningfully communicate with each other. The strongest track of the E.P is ‘Always’, which features vocals from Sara Zagarino. The shuffling jazz rhythms combined with a steady, underlying and gently accentuated 4/4 beat and, along with the polyphonic synth, create a mellow and hypnotic yet thoroughly danceable track. The latter half of the release incorporates collaborations with Chicago based vocalist Angelino Lucero, but the hollow, overbearing beat on ‘Fool’ does little to complement Lucero’s otherwise pleasant vocals. Thankfully, final track ‘True’ is redemptive and really allows Lucero’s vocals to shine through – the echoey, oscillating soundscape and melancholic arpegiatted keys are reminiscent of a Sunday morning sunrise, easily drifting you from the dance floor and into a deep slumber. Delightful.
Nitin Rishi
image: Factmag