In the relatively faceless world of electronic music there are few characters who divide opinion and court controversy quite like Jay Haze. Artists like Kenny Dixon Jr. may be known for their occasional bursts of outspokenness, but Haze seems to forever be levelling shots, to the point where his music and his opinions can’t help but get intertwined. This rare form of self PR can work in two ways: people either respect that you have a strong mind and aren’t afraid to voice it, or they take exception to the fact that you call out others for not being real enough and keep tight tabs on your work for any signs of weakness. In the case of Jay Haze I’m not going to argue about the validity of his realness, but his latest release on Contexterrior certainly shows signs of some weakness.
Having upped sticks from Berlin and moved to Peru, there was no question Haze would be influenced at a musical level by the transition. Evidence appears via the sampling of a heavy thunder storm for “The Storm,” a thirteen minute plus epic that purports an apocalyptic atmosphere building for seven minutes until the beat finally falls over the rain soaked backdrop. Although Haze effects a suitably ominous treatment of the menacing synth sounds, they appear almost plastic next to the organic sound of sodden, pouring skies. The build up itself is positively progressive sounding, and one can’t help but think of “Riders on the Storm” when any piece of music samples rain and thunder, making “The Storm” check several boxes that don’t bear checking. “2012” is a straight forward percussive jam, playing out a simple acid groove over heavy, rolling toms. With very little evolving in the track it can only really be described as a mixing tool, though in the right hands could prove a very effective one. Further evidence of Haze’s South American emigration can be found in the choice of vocal samples littering the track, which attempt to provide some sense of narrative. Though “2012” stands out I can’t help but feel it’s because of the lackluster nature of the weak A-side; overall his Enter The Darkenss EP is a disappointing release from Jay Haze.
nice review
the tracks were both recorded all analog in my studio in berlin. this release is intentionally dark and epic. (polysix, sh101, roland 808, re201 space echo)
i recorded the thunderstorm from a friends place in a favela in rio, it was an amazing storm. happy that i caught it on minidisk.
also for 2012 there is no vocals littering the track,
-the vocal comes in 1 time, is there for 15 seconds with an indian telling of what will happen in 2012 then is out. both tracks were made almost 2 years ago.
its too bad you dont like them, but i got plenty of new stuff coming out for you to critique – as for signs of weakness? hmmm—- seriously i have never been more on point in my entire career!
FWIW, I agree with the reviews on this site 90% of the time, and was expecting mediocrity when I hit the play button, but ended up enjoying “The Storm” quite a bit.
A little cheesy? Sure, but it reminds me of the early days of acid house when artists would build tracks around a theme and weren’t trying to, as you say, check boxes, as if that’s what’s needed. I’d rather hear slightly off-point originality than perfectly manufactured conformity.
Also gotta say that after that intro, it’s pretty funny that Jay actually jumped in and offered a rebuttal. Anyway keep up the good work both of you.
Thanks for your candid and measured response, Jay!
Never really been a fan of Jay’s but have to say I really like this! Storm is the one, love the synths
I’ve got several pieces of yours Jay and typically really enjoy your stuff. I wasn’t feeling this one but am certainly looking forward to hearing the other pending releases.
Far from Epic Jay..
@ Per Bojsen-Moller
thanks for the review bro!
and thanks for the support over the years.