Still Jaywalking
District Euphoria
(Cryptic Coast)
01. Memory Foam
02. District Euphoria
03. Taste
04. Apology
Still Jaywalking’s District Euphoria EP is a captivating showcase of the artist’s talent and vision. Through four meticulously crafted tracks, the EP takes listeners on a transformative journey, moving seamlessly between ambient, synthwave, and electronica genres. Each song exudes a distinct atmosphere, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a range of emotions, from introspective tranquility to exhilarating euphoria.
“Memory Foam” kicks things off and quickly sets the stage for what’s to follow. Almost as though Still Jaywalking is establishing the rules for the EP, the track builds slowly for the first few minutes before taking a pause mid-song. A reverb-soaked interlude gives us a brief rest before diving back into the beats built up during the first half. A very solid foundation for the album.
“District Euphoria” follows with a confident dance beat, a bit more energetic than the previous track. The production is top notch with the sonic layers constantly changing, but never becoming overwhelming. Still Jaywalking does an excellent job leading us through this synthwave journey, constantly pushing us forward so we don’t linger too long at any one spot, and making sure we don’t take any wrong turns along the way!
“Taste” slows things down and slowly builds up to a piano, bass and swirly organ in much the same was as Sigur Ros might for the first minute and a half. The track switches and suddenly it sounds like we’re eavesdropping in on a forgotten record playing from the bottom of an abandoned fallout shelter. A pulsing beat builds back up as the remainder of the track sounds like it’s coming out of a spinning Leslie speaker. It doesn’t overstay its welcome though, which is a good thing since that effect can be quite unsettling over longer periods of time. Tastefully done.
The EP closes with “Apology” which quietly builds for close to a minute before kicking in with it’s haunting melody and bouncing beats. Growing in intensity for another minute or so, it all changes abruptly at the 2:20 mark when we’re suddenly hit with an acoustic guitar strumming a simple chord progression. It repeats and speeds up, getting faster and faster, with some electronic feedback/effects splashing in at the end. The ending here is a nice contrast to the rest of the album, a hint of humanity and the organic in an otherwise chilly, digital landscape.
Overall, District Euphoria is an EP that leaves a lasting impact, resonating with its listeners and inviting them to explore the ever-shifting boundaries of music. Still Jaywalking’s ability to masterfully blend genres into a cohesive and enchanting release cements their place as a noteworthy artist in the contemporary music scene. The EP is a must-listen for anyone seeking a transcendental musical experience.
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