Mexico City-based Jnks debuts his first solo release on Illegal Alien Records with an EP titled “Among Frequencies and Eternal Random Moments” full of sophisticated atmospheres and saturated bass grooves.
Jnks, aka Daniel Jenkins, has taken a couple years off from producing tracks, which seems like he has taken a step back to really hone in on what he has to say, and what he has to say on this release is really superb. The main statement here on “Among Frequencies and Eternal Random Moments” seems to be heavy and deep-feeling emotional content mixed with well thought out atmospherics and strong, heavy grooves. It’s simply put but elegantly expressed Techno that has enough experimentation to be unique to him but also grooves and tones that are easily gravitated to by the listener.
The track “Sawer” defines such experimentation, with distorted vibrato synths, solid grooving bass, and enough elements piled together that you start to dissociate. Opposite of this is the moody and deep “AFERM” that is so satisfying to listen to. The main trick in the track is hiding his chord progressions by layering his midi arpeggiations and pitching effects, and keeping the track atonal. The result of which is really excellent and makes “AFERM” the real star of the release. “Sacrifices” features Jnks tapping into the strings library and contrasting it with a plucky resonant synth countermelody and bird song, highlighting his ability to translate emotional connection to his audience. “Duality” introduces the release with a solid atmosphere of crushed chords and a no-nonsense approach to the rhythm.
Jnks delivers a dope release here. The deepness and ability to express an emotional connection is really appealing. As is the willingness to experiment with a hectic layering of elements while blanketing all the tracks on the release with gritty distorted atmospheres that are smart and have a lot of thought behind them. Props to Illegal Alien for having him featured on this release.
-Sean Ocean
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