Jxckson, THE DEEP END (EP) | Album Review 💿

Talented Austin, Texas-based pop artist Jxckson shines on his six-track EP, the satisfyingly dark, THE DEEP END.

Darkness can utterly thrilling, particularly from a musical perspective 😈. Depressed lyrics and minor keys can propel a musical gem.  For independent, Austin, Texas pop artist 🎙 Jxckson, he has found a home in a dark, alternative brand of pop on his second EP, 💿 THE DEEP END (EP). Building up to this moment for years with a number of sickening bops, Jxckson doesn’t disappoint on this six-track, 16-minute EP. So, without further ado, let’s dive with Jxckson into THE DEEP END, shall we?

“THE DEEP END” 

Fittingly, THE DEEP END (EP) commences with 🎵 “THE DEEP END.”  In the simple  but intriguing intro, Jxckson informs us first impressions don’t do him justice – we’ve got to give him a chance and get to know him. That’s fair.  However, he’ll guide us on towards the deep end… Umm… what? From there, Jxckson guides us 🤩 🎵 “INTO THE LIGHT” – a truly bold, first full-length joint.  The thing is, INTO THE LIGHT definitely does not sound the least bit light 😈. That, of course, is intentional, as he plans to bring his darkness into the light 😈.  The concept is superb, particularly following the tone setting “THE DEEP END.” Furthermore, The aesthetic – sound and production – is incredible.  The record is anchored by a hard-hitting beat and features dark keys and synths 💪.  Obviously, given the dark vibes, and maybe, just maybe Jxckson’s most eccentric performance, “INTO THE LIGHT” is set in a minor key.

“I’m drowning / Waves crashing over me.” 🤩 🎵 “DROWNING”, released in advance of the EP,  marked the reintroduction of Jxckson. The result is sheer excellence. According to him, “DROWNING” is “the feeling of being both overwhelmed and numbed by the waves of emotions after a relationship and then trying to find a way to cope.” He sings, “I never knew I would need you this much / Lost forever, yea I was void of your touch.” Those pesky matters of the heart are the cause for drowning.  The end of a relationship can truly be overwhelming, something that is captured brilliantly throughout “DROWNING.” “I don’t feel anything / Why can’t I feel anything?” he asks, continuing, “All I have is me / My past is my only enemy.” Playfulness and personality, along with the authenticity captured within the songwriting and vocal performance, makes this dramatic, experimental pop track a triumph. Shout out the sick beat and slick, dizzying synths on this 🎛 Boy Sim production as well.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: March 2023
• Drown: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 27 (2023)

“BENEATH THE SURFACE” 

“Waves crashing over me / Let them take me away…” Following up 🎵 “DROWNING” is a tall task.  The short but potent 🎵 “BENEATH THE SURFACE” gets the job done ✅. Once again, the ear candy is decadent. The tilt is dark, fitting the aesthetic and concept of The DEEP END.  Much like “INTO THE LIGHT,” the darkness Jxckson gives is pitch black dark, and we live for it! Hmm, there’s certainly an element of schadenfreude in play here. Us, the listeners seem to rejoice hearing the pop star in a damning, dark, sus place. Despite those grey skies Jxckson seems to embrace, the artistry is lit.

🤩 🎵 “SIREN”, yet another BOP, was released as a single in 2022. It appears on THE DEEP END with tweaks, hence why it’s dubbed 🎵 “SIREN – EP VERSION”. What makes “Siren” a surefire vibe? Starting with the production, Boy Sim cooks up a slick, energetic backdrop, with the electrifying groove serving as inspiration for the pop artist. Jxckson is locked-in with his signature playful vocals, attitude, and sickening lyrics. He compels, making us lean onto his every lyric, such as “Start my engines / Rev it up and rev it up / I’m so ready and well equipped / I’ll have you right / Right at my fingertips.” You do darling – you do! Of course, the crowning achievement is the chorus:  “Ring the alarm / I’m calling out for you baby / Ring the alarm / Bringing you in like a siren / We could have it all / Just answer my call.” “Siren” =  another great awesome moment from THE DEEP END.  

The experimental spirit of Jxckson pays major dividends on the epic concluding cut, 🤩 🎵 “RADIO SILENCE”.  Jxckson characterizes “RADIO SILENCE” as being “experimental in the sense of effects used to highlight the song and I’m not necessarily known for slow songs.” What makes “RADIO SILENCE” so great are the vocals, vocals effects, production and the production effects, and how the theme and backdrop work in tandem with one another. What’s neat about “RADIO SILENCE” is the equal importance of voices and music.  Yes, the voice – the singing – is the centerpiece, but the music has an elevated role too.  “RADIO SILENCE” commences with a warm yet slightly unsetting intro, prefacing the musical and thematic experience to come.  Early on, the bouncy bass line is among many ear-catching happenings.  Of course, the tune that Jxckson sings, with a unique vocal effect, mind you, is simple but absolutely beautiful. He sings with ease, barely breaking a sweat, while retaining his playful brand of vocals. Even so, we also hear this riskiness from Jxckson given the slower tempo and embracing even more emotional vocals.  The chorus is by far the crowning achievement, with its robust sounds, and a brilliant, intentional ‘distancing’ contrast between lead and backing vocals. Notably, during the second verse, the music is more developed with additional cues and rhythm adding to the epic musical excellence.      

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2023

Final Thoughts 💭 

🎙 Jxckson is a prime example of a musician who grows better with time. THE DEEP END marks a career milestone for the pop artist.  He delivers the goods on his second EP, PERIOD.  THE DEEP END is a success because of the playful vocals, epic production, and the dark themes/lyrics. Furthermore, Jxckson’s willingness to try new things bodes well too. Don’t be afraid to join Jxckson in THE DEEP END – you won’t regret it!

🤩 Gems 💎:  “INTO THE LIGHT,” “DROWNING,” “SIREN – EP VERSION” & “RADIO SILENCE”

🎙 Jxckson • 💿 THE DEEP END (EP) • 🏷 Jxckson Music • 🗓 5.25.23

[📷: Jxckson Music]