London-based artists Joe Armon-Jones and Maxwell Owin have been making some of the most futuristic electronic and jazz music of the last 5 years, both separately as solo artists and a part of different bands and projects, and as a duo too. 2017’s Idiom EP introduced us to their hypnotic sound, with Max on production duties, and Joe killing it on keys. It was a light, jazzy introduction to their artistry and creativity, and was one of my favourite project of that year when it came out. Since then, they have been busy with other projects, but have continued working together, with the aim of releasing a full-length album capturing a darker, more intense sound, vibe and energy. The result is Archetype, an incredible 12 track project. It’s punchier, more ambitious and club-focused than Idiom, with incredibly dense and lush compositions throughout that really do capture an infectious intensity that is almost non-stop throughout the hour.
From the opener “Archetype” featuring O the ghost to the closer “Adrenaline/Oxygen”, Max and Joe are able to create an eclectic soundscape, combining heavy drumming and rhythms influenced by an array of genres including dubstep, drill, hip-hop, jazz and soul music, with compositions that sound more developed and refined than ever before. It is 6 years in the making after all, and with tracks like “Lost In The Function”, with it’s insane pulsating rhythms and beats, and “Rago’s Garage” featuring Shabaka Hutchings (two of my favourite tracks on the album for their fierce, unapologetic energy), makes it one of the better albums I’ve listened to this year. There are lighter and more melodic moments on the album as well, such as “Pedal Bike” and “Don’t Tip Me Over” with Fatima. The emphasis and focus here is on piano melodies and more subdued drumming with a slower tempo. “Grief” with Lex Amor is another stunning moment on the album, with a light and atmospheric instrumental complemented by Lex’s heavy and introspective lyricism, as she floats effortlessly throughout the track. The vocal sampling on “Ode 2 Reverb” is incredible, while the dub-influence and energy on “Ikigai” featuring Mala, Marysia Osu and YUIS is another standout moment. The intricacies in the production throughout the entire album are mesmerizing, with so many instruments and textures explored and produced to perfection.
It goes without saying that this is a really important alum for the London music scene, and one I’m sure will get rinsed throughout the year. Archetype is coming out this Friday (9th June), with a release party and club evening at Fabric, London. Tickets can be bought via RA here.
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