With rumors of a new Jam Baxter release on the horizon we have been waiting impatiently for some new intricate word-smithin' and beats to make your neck hurt for weeks, so you can imagine how ecstatic we were to have been sent a new ep from Jam and Jon Phonics.
Our first taste of Jam Baxter and Jon Phonics came back in 2010 when Baxter teamed up with Fliptrix to feature on "Dark Days" taken from Phonics' highly anticipated sequel, "Half Past Calm 2". Featuring some of the biggest names and talent in UKHH at the time and fused with Phonics' electronic take on the genre this was a release that turned a lot of heads, and got everyone talking.... and waiting eagerly for more colabs from Baxter and Phonics.
Dark Days - Jon Phonics Ft Fliptrix and Jam Baxter
The ep is packed to the brim with Jam's signature complex lyrical repertoire, his flawless ability to switch up his flows mid bar, Phonics steppy electro funk fused with a jazz sensibility giving us the sonic canvas for this brutal banquet of meaty freshness. Opening with an short track full of vocal samples over a mellow beat with a retro brass synth like that on a Mario Bro's game from the 90's. Setting up the lyrical side of the ep's themes the intro is made all the more creepy by the distinct tonal difference between the beat and whats being said.... genius.
All three full length tunes that follow have very different vibes and help define the versatility that both artists are praised for. With a healthy mix of various different styles Phonics shows he is a force that's gonna make big waves in the UKHH scene, displaying a vast knowledge of his production capabilities in a limited number of tracks. Fresh Flesh, the second and titular track has a moody, trap influenced beat accompanied by the epic chorus chants and grumbling sub all fading in as Baxter drops his first verse. This track in particular helps solidify Baxter as a monster on the mic, switching tempo's in his delivery with way to much ease, his chilled out demeanor never slowing him down which is why his rise to being one of the UK's finest has looked almost effortless.
The next track, Rush, speaks for itself.
This blend of high plinky keys and low end sub is just pimpin'. The slightly unquantized snare drum and smokey vibe echos perfectly as Jam paints the vivid imagery that he's known for. Another tune that fully demonstrates how technically gifted Baxter and Phonics are when it comes to their craft. The contrast of the beat, stripped down and simple, yet full and complete giving that polished feel with Baxters lyrics, projecting intricate scenes of grimness, yet everything remains intriguing, never settling for anything less than the perfect word(s) to end the bar. You will be repeating that hook for weeks.... that I can assure you.
The forth and final track Eating is drenched in a gritty, low end bass that swallows the sound-scape in the best way. Whereas electronica was featured in the previous tracks, this one fully embraces a heavy sci-fi sonic range of noise along side Baxter who keeps up his high level of finesse with another effortless delivery and instantly chant-able hook.
Each track brings something different to the table to wet your appetite keeping the ep sounding fresh from start to finish. Another banger from Jam Baxter and the High Focus crew available for pre-order from the link bellow. This one comes highly recommended. Released 20th August 2014.
Pre-Order Link
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/fresh-flesh-ep/id906454397
https://twitter.com/ActualJamBaxter
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jam-Baxter/138139262879220
https://twitter.com/JONPHONICS
https://www.facebook.com/jonphonicsmusic
http://www.high-focus.com/home/
Reviewd by NDLC and Double ES.
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