Running From Yourself by Sir Jay

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Running From Yourself by Sir Jay

Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

Today we will be listening to the debut album ‘Running From Yourself’ by Sir Jay, consisting of 9 aesthetic and cinematic tracks. You will be surprised, but ‘Running From Yourself’ combines the nostalgia of the ’60s and ’70s with the modern sheen of indie rock and soft dream pop, creating a very unusual and soulful sound. Can you already feel that melancholic haze flowing through the album? Born in the solitude of the pandemic, the album is imbued with Sir Jay’s thoughts, his experiences, his pain, acceptance, and love. In ‘Running From Yourself,’ themes of loss, resilience, and loneliness possess a magnetic attraction that changes one’s perspective on things. The album was completed by Sir Jay in Berlin but polished in Finland, and this gives it a special charm after absorbing the atmospheres of both countries. From Berlin, Sir Jay took its cool melancholy of quiet maples that turn into black branches in the evenings, reaching into the night sky under the light of evening lanterns, while the frosty drafts of Finland endowed the sound with resilience and steadfastness.

It is this that gives the album’s sound a tangible presence nearby. You can hear the shadow of Berlin in every reverb-soaked vocal and every painful note of the acoustic guitar. But don’t think that the album consists solely of its melancholy. It also offers moments of hope, aspirations, and love, delicately woven into lush harmonies and thoughtful song lyrics. I suggest we start listening right away and feel these reflective vibrations of Sir Jay’s debut album.

‘Box Animal’ immediately stands out with its soothing and hypnotic vocals that give you goosebumps. The light performance and airy melody resemble diving underwater. This track immediately sets the tone for the entire sound of the album, as the melody accelerates and electronic pads add sharpness and mysticism to the sound. Sir Jay uses vintage beats and analog synthesizers, giving the track a cozy and neo-psychedelic sound.

I like how in the track ‘Rubble,’ electric guitars come to the forefront, blending with a bright rhythm and percussion. I’m sure you’ll feel this unusual dark sound, filled with experiments and art-house vibes, as if reflecting inner doubts and the hustle of chaotic thoughts. A flawless track for walking around the city in a hoodie under a drizzling rain. I love this dark, harsh aesthetic, but hinting at a slight hope. Undoubtedly, one of the best tracks on the release.

Then, with soft keys and airy electronic pads, the track ‘Name on the Wall’ captivates with its gentleness and lightness. I love the change of mood here. The complex structure and rhythm allow you to dream and be inspired while listening to ‘Name on the Wall.’ This is a lyrical portrait of grief, written by Sir Jay after the death of his brother, with weeping string arrangements by Elia Lombardini and lush acoustic passages that give you goosebumps and offer a special tender feeling of attachment and love, with a slight glimmer of sadness and regret.

A special feeling of joy appears in the tracks ‘On TV’ and ‘Running from Yourself.’ A more commercial pop sound shines in this track, making ‘On TV’ an excellent song for pop radio stations and your most daring days. You can close your eyes and sway to the rhythm, you won’t notice how a smile plays on your lips. One of the sunniest tracks that undoubtedly brings a ray of hope. This same mood continues in the bright ‘Running from Yourself’ with a groovy beat, excellent guitars, and keys. The melody unfolds into excellent indie pop rock in the chorus, giving a feeling of the serenity of a summer evening.

The second part of the album is bright and vivid, as if reflecting the change of day and night, depression and happiness, acting on me magnetically, almost making me fall in love with the album’s sound. It’s very modern and stylish. The final track, ‘Roses,’ returns to a more psychedelic melancholic sound, yet brighter sparks remain in the vocals, illuminating the music. Here, the presence of grief is no longer felt; on the contrary, in the bright keys reminiscent of a light breeze, with an excellent chorus and lyrics, there is a sense of attraction and liberation. Wow, undoubtedly, this is one of the best albums in recent times. You felt it too, didn’t you? Catch Sir Jay tomorrow at the Album Release Party at Tekstin Talo in Helsinki. Follow Sir Jay on social media for updates and news.

Hey Sir Jay! Thank you for releasing such a cool and unique album. I love the atmosphere, the play with styles, and the desire to create unconventional music. There’s energy, pain, and light here, all that’s needed for a conceptual album. The psychedelia and unusual combination of tones and chords hypnotized me, creating a feeling of flight and hypnosis, similar to what engulfs the mind when listening to Radiohead. This brings your sound closer to the best of the best, which is undoubtedly a huge achievement for a debut release. There’s immense work, inspiration, and a lot of effort here. It’s felt in every beat. I’ll be showing your album to everyone, let them also listen to great music, right? I love it and want more!