Justin Jay – The Jaguar EP

Posted on Sep 12, 2013 in Deep House

Justin Jay, once part of the dirtybird clan, has spread his wings and shown himself to be a rising figure in electronic music with the release of his The Jaguar EP on California-centric label Culprit. Jay’s debut on the label follows in the footsteps of artists such as Jamie Jones, Soul Clap, and M A N I K, all of whom have experienced a recent surge in popularity as the public’s interest in deep-leaning house increases. The 20-year-old Tong-tapped “Future Star” and the label have their Los Angeles roots in common, and they in turn have produced a three-track EP that reflects the sun-drenched, laid-back essence of the City of Angels.

The title track is a slow-building house jam that starts off almost casually until it starts easing into a hard-edged bass-line accompanied by strums of a guitar, of which the latter gives it a hint of organic quality amongst the multitude of scratchy, rough sounds, morphing into a deliciously melodic tune. That breakdown two-thirds of the way is to the ears what silk feels like to the skin, where you just want to jump in and swim in it. “Coldwater” is my personal favorite of the lot, if solely for its sampling of Blu Cantrell’s 2001 hit “Hit ‘Em Up Style.” This one goes a bit deeper that its predecessor, with echoing vocal bits that sound like they’re floating up from the bottom of a well; and it has a bit of a funkier bass-line that makes it a little easier to move your hips rather than just using your ears. The last track, “You & Me,” maintains that funky bass-line, and is somewhat lighter on the ears in its sound, even if the lyrics don’t really reflect that. These tunes aren’t necessarily your standard dance-floor peak-time bombs, but they’re perfect for lounging around and grooving under the sun at one of Culprit’s famed rooftop parties.

Justin Jay’s The Jaguar EP on Culprit is now available to purchase via Beatport.

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