Sonically, this intrepid 4-tracker from Jhim boasts clean sounds whilst holding intimate levels of fascination that takes us on a journey like no other.
Rolling deep in subsonic movements
French label Concrete Collage return with their first release since the successful vinyl campaign (Madness EP) for label head Stazma (aka The Junglechrist, Repeat Eater) towards the end of last year. Introducing a neat but expansive 4-track to melt the last of the winter frost is Illusions by Jhim. Paul Jones (aka Jhim) is mostly known in the music scene under his M.D.S moniker, as well as for their Pants & Socks duo with Concrete Collage alumni Anorak.
Illusions rolls deep in subsonic movements as we enter the first track “Illusions Shattered.” We wander a nondescript dry land, soon to be fraught with imaginative clouds as didgeridoos (performed by Stew Bamrah aka Stellar Jungle) circulate the ever intensive need to understand what could be a mirage on the horizon. Never too extreme we are met with dollops of relief in these weathering soundscapes as the rain eventually falls and nourishes a depleted soul.
The following tracks build upon dynamics and existential themes—be it the boundary pushing breaks in “Mutation,” or the contemplative expedition during “Ambiox Ping Box.” Closing with “The Beautiful Knight,” having gone through a wildly misadventure across this somewhat psychedelic backdrop we are lifted out of climate snow globe and presented with an overview that leans to a euphoria of times before.
Sonically, this intrepid 4-tracker from Jhim boasts clean sounds whilst holding intimate levels of fascination that takes us on a journey like no other. If this review has come across as slightly abstract—then Illusions has done exactly what it says on the tin.
Concrete Collage remain in upholding talented producers with a steady stream of releases never compromises integrity. Looking forward to see what the rest of the year has in store!
Illusions is available on Concrete Collage. [Bandcamp]
