released: september 5, 2025

genre: dream-pop / electronic

from: new york, usa

label: ad 93

a few thoughts: james k has been making music dreamy, emotive music for a while now. i came across her name for the first time on her feature on yves tumor’s 2018 single “licking an orchid (off safe in the hands of love). her dreamy, yet dynamic electronic soundscapes are stunning, and her album friend is a representation of her infectious, hazy and ethereal sound. 13 tracks long and just over an hour long, she combines dreamy and atmospheric synth-led compositions with beats that are just incredible from start to finish. “days go by” opens the album with a reflective, lush instrumental and angelic vocals, while “blinkmoth (july mix)” is this trip-hop-inspired, electronic masterpiece, with stunning vocals and this infectious groove that is just so powerful from start to finish. tracks like “peel” have this ambient energy, with light synths and subtle guitar melodies that are just captivating from start to finish, while “on god” is a beautiful indie-rock cut. the emphatic electronica of “peel” is fantastic, while the dynamic “play” is a catchy and dynamic cut that is a truly immersive and beautiful listen. the emotive and beautiful “lung slide” is another highlight, while “hypersoft lovejinx junkdream” and “collapse (falling forward blissfully all the time)” close the album out with ethereal, reflective and gorgeous ambient and dreamy melodies that capture the atmospheric beauty of james k’s music. friend is a stunning, meditative album that combines therapeutic ambience with catchy electronica.

the album: