jaxsen – The Play (2022)
Through music, many of us find a connection to others and a way to process emotions that build inside and need an outlet. This is not only true for us as listeners, but for the musicians creating the music. With his EP The Play, jaxsen loosely relays the downfall of a relationship while finding a way to cope after intense mental health issues.
While each track of the EP is another stage in the breakdown of a relationship, there is a deeper meaning to each that touches all of us in a different way, depending on how we connect with the track. The emotionally packed EP was entirely written and produced by jaxsen, and offers a maturity of his sound. Hitting some quirky vibes, his experimental synth pop and lo-fi style effortlessly draws you into the story he has to tell.
‘you gave me light’ opens the EP with a soft touch that hits you with the softness of love, joy, gratitude and affection. There is a softness to the opening of the track that is awash with pastel-coloured synths. The melody has a heavy dose of lo-fi sensibilities through the opening that slowly solidifies as the track progresses. As you sink back into the softness of the melody, jaxsen’s vocals unleash a tender appreciation of the support you get from your loved ones throughout life. There is a layered message to the track which taps into the overall story of the EP. As he opens up about his appreciation of love, there is a feeling of falling into this emotion as you would in the beginning stages of a relationship. Packed with soft vibes, this is the perfect opening to the EP.
While the softness of the higher levels of the melody continues into ‘impose’, there is a darker edge that starts to make its way into the sound. The almost discordant feeling to the lower levels brings a hit of pain and uncertainty. Through the lyrics, jaxsen explores the struggle of low-esteem within the confines of a relationship. Everything comes together for a slightly moody atmosphere that has the potential to swing to happiness or abject sadness. It is a fantastic exploration of the subject matter as the track delicately brings the emotions to life. There is a feeling of reaching out to a loved one, but an unsure edge where you don’t know what your reception is going to be.
The exploration of low self-esteem continues in ‘shackles’, but the music takes a slightly different turn as the melody gains a light bounce to the bass. The keys that dance through the higher levels bring the sparkle of happiness, but there is something in the bass pulling it down. Weaving between the melodic layers are vocals that offer a strain of thought. It is easy to connect with the thoughts of the lyrics as they move through insecurity and how this affects a relationship. The messaging started in the previous track is taken to the next level as jaxsen considers the larger implications of emotion within a relationship. Through this track, you can feel the first cracks start to form in the relationship before the slow spiral into a breakdown.
The electronic tones and heavy tapping beat that opens ‘i gave you my heart’ brings a churn of emotion to your chest. There is something about the melody that grips your heart and tugs at your emotions as you fall into the tale of betrayal. The vocals have an almost hopeless edge to them that is sharpened by a feeling of detachment. The almost monotone delivery adds to the feeling of the track that walks the line between disbelief and pain. It is an interesting track that has been able to encapsulate a complex emotion and pump it into your chest as if you have experienced the betrayal of the single yourself. The layered harmonies of the vocals add to the detached vibes leading to a pulse of sound that stabs through a growing internal noise.
The EP comes to a close with ‘i’d rather be alone’ which is the most melancholic of the tracks. Through the slow build of the opening, you are placed in an almost desolate emotional wasteland that is slowly starting to heal. The keys lay down a path for the vocals to move through the pain and head toward an acceptance of the end of a relationship. While there is a feeling of overcoming the pain of heartbreak, there is a deeper message woven into the track. You can feel the acknowledgement of emotions and feelings that help you fall into a sense of inner peace. There is an acceptance of who you are and what you have gone through that leads you to the knowledge that you can move on from this. It is a really great way to end the EP and leaves you with the bright tendrils of hope and healing.
Through the tracks of The Play, jaxsen has us feeling a mixture of emotions, from an appreciation of love to the pain of betrayal and the healing power of acceptance. Each track has a unique edge that furthers the story of the whole, while offering a deeper message. Packed with emotional touches, lo-fi sensibilities and soft explorations, the EP connects with feelings we all have, but often avoid.
Find out more about jaxsen on his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
