Basement Jaxx – Junto
- Written by Ryan Lake
Fifteen years since their first & four years since their last, Basement Jaxx are back to claim their rightful position at the very pinnacle of groove laden British dance music. With unmistakeable swagger, Basement Jaxx kick off Junto with 'Power ToThe People', home to an uplifting chorus littered with steel drums, maintaining the Bassment Jaxx theme of pure unflinching dance music. It really surprises you how much you've actually missed these guys, but unbelievably comforting to know that they're back.
Its really isn't difficult to see how BJ have survived all these years, this group does not give in to the current trends & fads, they are able to stick to their thing, adapting, tweaking & modernising along the way, but remaining true to their core style. One of the most impressive tunes on Junto, named 'Rock This Road', conjures images of a South American carnival scene, all colours & action, brimming with party atmosphere & passion.
'Never Say Never' is the first single to be released from Junto, predictably, it is a fantastic radio tune, fulfilling classic pop song structure, whilst still maintaining an edge of BJ coolness. This is one of the most current sounding songs on the album, fitting well with the vast range of EDM & Euro house flooding the charts without succumbing to their conventions. This single maintains an air of cool, suiting the end of summer seasons & the cooling of the climate. BJ have crafted a great little tune for the more chilled out Ibiza closing parties.
Drawing influence from all elements of dance, disco & world music, BJ are able to adapt & mould their style to whatever sounds they are making, another one of their unquestionable abilities is their knack for finding incredible collaborators. The vocal performances on this record fit so unbelievably well, ensuring tone, momentum & the general feel of all tunes are maintained. This aspect of the BJ production process has been one that has consistently kept them ahead of the game, chucking a bit of Scottish charm into the 90's piano house throwback 'Summer Dem' proves they still have the ability to make unconventional vocals work.
Seemingly changing styles with every tune, Junto proves itself to be a full party in a box. Catering to varying degrees of interest up & down the BPM counter, this collection ticks boxes all over the ever changing world of dance music. I'd be very surprised to not hear quite a few of these tunes on the radio in the coming months, Junto is a great collection of feel good dance music, perfect way to get your toes tapping now that the weather is beginning to take a turn for the worst.
Junto is out on Monday August 25 2014, you'd be mad to miss this!