JUNK – Chromatose (2023)
While genres and sub-genres can be useful when attempting to describe a certain musical sound, it is not always possible to put a band into one of these cages. Merging and transcending various labels, US-based duo JUNK knocks us off our feet with their inimitable and all-encompassing music. Born during the height of the pandemic, JUNK is the desire for Aaron ‘Dubl A’ Seener and Dale ‘Dirty D’ Pearson to create something exciting, intriguing and completely original for the masses. Drawing together influences from classical orchestral to punk, jazz, hip hop and funk, JUNK brings the rough and smooth together in a beautiful harmony.
Following their single ‘Chromatose’, JUNK released a five-track EP of the same name. As I mentioned, the lads combine numerous styles in their music to create something indescribable, but I’ll do my best to give you some idea of this awe-inspiring release. Inspired by life in its entirety, this “musical narcotic-themed” EP captures all the desires, emotions, needs, vulnerability and experiences of humanity in less than 20 minutes.
Opening with the well-received title track, JUNK doesn’t necessarily ease you into the EP but tosses you into this sonic whirlpool with a blast of saxophones and beats. A kaleidoscopic sensation twirls you about at a high-speed pace setting a psychedelic quality to the track. Interestingly enough, while the opening is a bash about the head in a chaotic frenzy, there is a smooth transition to a gentle orchestral keyboard leading you out with a mellifluous soothing. This soothing continues with the moving saxophone-driven track ‘None Other Than Dirty D’. A masterful fusion of funk, jazz and underlying piano, this song is a melody with soul-soaring qualities.
Following ‘Chromatose’ and ‘None Other Than Dirty D’, the next three tracks are a tight representation of Dirty D and Dubl A’s artistry. An acoustic piano matches the prominent saxophone with a heavy bass in ‘Chill Pill’ and ‘Frogadelic’ offering a charming elegance to the EP. Yet, ‘Blow’ has an intense 90s hip-hop feel to it with a strong guitar underlying the ever-present saxophone. Perhaps it is the collaboration with Flawless Solace that brings the “hippier and hoppier” tone to ‘Blow’ and ‘Chromatose’.
As always, it is difficult to choose a favourite track from this EP but it would more than likely be ‘Frogadelic’. The amusing frog croaks enhance the obscurity of JUNK with a quirky cheekiness. Completely unique and the future of fusion music, listening to Chromatose is like flying across a kaleidoscopic pool enjoying each moment in its sublime intoxication.
For more from JUNK, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
