The Canyon JJerome87 feat. alt-J

• 1 Mr. Alligator 04:25
• 2 Green Velvet 03:28
• 3 Quaaludes 03:39
• 4 Interlude 00:37
• 5 Juicy 03:30
• 6 Walkaway Music 02:35
• 7 Brush Me Like A Horse 03:24
• 8 Two Hearts 04:29
• 9 Track And Field 03:15
• 10 Last Man Alive 03:46
• 11 Pennine 05:18
• Total Runtime 38:26

Info for The Canyon

Alt-J frontman Joe Newman transforms, chameleon-like, into JJerome87 for The Canyon, his solo debut, and his music goes with him. Never one to miss a chance for innovation, Newman sets his stall out immediately with lead single “Mr. Alligator,” a menacing blues romp that opens the door to this album’s originality.

That follows through on almost every track; the sound is very earthy and bluesy, with a great grounding in rhythm and soul, but it also has its weird moments, even within tracks. You get the best idea of this on “Quaaludes,” which transforms from a gospel sing-along, exploding into a nostalgic chorus. Strangeness abounds, with “Juicy” possibly the zenith of that – it’s just plain odd, a bit gospel, but mostly done in a cult-like whisper.

There’s more conventional fare, too: “Walkaway Music,” with its backing jangle and typical structure, has some Springsteen feel to it, and manages to keep the strangeness at bay.

There are sweet, nostalgic moments that help close off the album, as well. “Two Hearts” is a lovely song, dripping in sugar and nostalgia, while “Pennine” is a suitably reflective ending, calling back to Newman’s beginnings, and that of Alt-J, at Leeds University. It’s a real showing of Newman’s growth as an artist and person, and while it has its bumpy moments, it’s a solid solo debut. Let’s hope we see a little more in the future.

JJerome87

Joe Newman aka JJerome87
is the solo moniker of British songwriter and musician Joe Newman – frontman of the critically acclaimed Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello-winning band alt-J. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Carlos De La Garza, JJerome87’s music features a dedicated group of session musicians and a trio of female backing vocalists, blending a distinctly Californian sound with the energy of Motown, blues and gospel.

This album contains no booklet.