JJ Wilson – Extratemporal Spaces

JJ Wilson’s latest release, Extratemporal Spaces, is an intricate blend of IDM and glitch music that will captivate listeners with its atmospheric depth and organic textures. The Scottish multi-instrumentalist, known for his work with the band Phillip Joseph-Rae and collaborations with ex-Groove Armada drummer Joe Herzberg, steps out into his solo career with a debut album that successfully captures the essence of his musical journey.

The album presents a unique auditory experience, one that combines the tranquil beauty of Scotland’s wild landscapes with the mind-altering sensations of electronic soundscapes. Wilson’s music draws deeply from his love for wild camping in the mountains and glens of his native Scotland. Each track in Extratemporal Spaces feels like a sonic reflection of those awe-inspiring, isolated environments, with moments of calm serenity interspersed with chaotic, glitch-driven energy.

Rhythm and Bassline

A key highlight of the album is the way Wilson employs rhythm and basslines to establish an underlying tension. The rhythmic structures often defy conventional patterns, drawing from his background in jazz and electronic music. Rather than relying on predictable beats, Wilson utilizes syncopated, fragmented rhythms that give each track an unpredictable, yet purposeful flow. This irregularity mirrors the ever-changing landscapes he seeks to represent.

The basslines, though subtle, are critical to the album’s immersive quality. In tracks like “Fractured Horizons” and “Whispers in the Mist,” the bass provides a grounding force amidst the chaos of glitch elements. Deep, rumbling low frequencies undulate beneath the swirling textures, offering a sense of movement that propels the listener through the album. These basslines aren’t merely driving; they seem to breathe and shift, reflecting the natural ebb and flow of the wild world that inspired the music.

Synth Work and Atmosphere

Wilson’s use of synthesizers is another striking element in Extratemporal Spaces. The synths are rich and textured, often creating layers that fold into each other in unexpected ways. Whether through shimmering arpeggios or sweeping ambient pads, the synth work builds a vast, expansive atmosphere that is at once both serene and disorienting. There’s a palpable sense of space in the music, much like standing alone on a remote mountain peak, gazing out at the infinite horizon.

Tracks like “Echoes of the Void” demonstrate Wilson’s mastery over the synth, with fluctuating tones and delicate melodies that feel suspended in time. These sonic landscapes are not static; they breathe with life, transforming and evolving as the listener journeys through the album. The randomisation elements that Wilson integrates into the music further heighten the sense of unpredictability, as though the music itself is responding to forces beyond control, mirroring the anarchic nature of the Scottish Highlands.

Overall Atmosphere

The overarching mood of Extratemporal Spaces is one of awe and tranquility, with moments of intense power. The album invites listeners into a state of mind where the boundaries between the natural world and the synthetic collapse. The merging of organic textures with electronic sounds creates an experience that is both soothing and stimulating. As Wilson sought to create an album that reflects his emotional response to Scotland’s wild beauty, the music takes on an almost spiritual quality, transporting the listener to a place where time seems to stand still.

Extratemporal Spaces is a high-quality, immersive release that showcases JJ Wilson’s talents as a multi-instrumentalist and electronic artist. The album is a testament to his ability to blend different genres and techniques into something uniquely his own. Whether you’re a fan of IDM, glitch, or simply music that evokes powerful emotions and vivid imagery, this album is one you won’t want to miss.

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