JKriv

JKriv returns to home base Razor-N-Tape with the Intuition EP, a strong statement of how far his sound has traveled in the 2+ years since his last artist release on the label. Blueprint, a driving club burner rooted on an unrelenting bass line, builds slowly through conversational synth elements until it opens up into a soulful vocal loop that explodes in a euphoric peak. The title track of the EP is a dubby slow roller that was equal parts inspired by 90s Ryuichi Sakamoto records and modern G-funk. Over its lithe piano, hooky vocoder melodies, and rolling bass, Megatronic delivers a melancholic message of relationship loss and renewal, and coda vocals are added by J himself.Zone 1, an ode to David Morales’ amazing Red Zone 90s remix catalog, drives hard with insistent analog drums and absolutely filthy bass beneath a pillowy layer of lush and acidic synth elements. Wearing the influence of J’s favorite producer Larry Heard proudly on its sleeve, Paula’s Dance is a symphony of intertwining analog gear, with a mysterious and gorgeous vocal by Mexican singer Pahua.Completed while JKriv was undergoing treatment for lymphoma in the latter part of 2024, this record is both deeply personal and a triumphant statement of determination under adversity. The beautiful cover artwork by The Myno captures both the vulnerability and focus that defined the period in which J made this music.