Jap Jap: A Monotonik Discovery (Review)

Jap Jap is an electroncia moniker for Dutch resident Jasper Boer. Behind him is veteran net-label Monotonik, famous for their output of excellent releases of all things idm and electronica. When Monotonik is in the news I pay attention, and to my mind the EP A resonant discovery is one of their greater releases over the years. Containing a dreamy and colorful cast of songs this free EP will hopefully find it’s way to music-lovers everywhere.

Find out more about this excellent release after the jump

Those who have read my few articles on OSV probably know already what I look for in music. If you don’t I can proudly confess that I am an electronica junkie who constantly is on the search for new sounds. My main handicap writing for this wonderful site is that I just don’t get J-pop. Believe me when I say that I have tried. Because of this I fear of one day meeting editor Jayson in a darkly back alley in Anywheretown; armed to his teeth, seeking vengeance on behalf of the Japanese speaking world.

Erhm. Anyway. Refocusing on the EP in question – it’s an affair of a longer sort. With six tracks you get time to get to know the soundscape in question quite well. The production is professional with a distinct style of it‘s own. Like a more pop-induced variation of Russian act Sleepy Town Manufacture. I can only speak for myself when I say that I lost myself to the well crafted sound and soothing style.

Best of all is that it’s accessible. Not too common for the electronic genres. You don’t have to be that much into electronic music to enjoy the trip A Resonant Discovery will take you on. It starts of very strong with floating ambience and luscious melodies on the track “Winds of Change.” From there the mood just carries you on, on to the mostly instrumental tracks. My clear favorite is probably the happy song “Coloured Cubes.” There is also a remix on that specific song from the artist Morgenfish thrown in for good measure.

There are two vocal offerings on the EP. On Morning light dream a gentle voice paints a subtle and effective picture of good dreams that you don‘t want to wake up from. Dreams of flying over rooftops looking down in awe. That kind of stuff. On “Surrounded by Magic” the singing is more straightforward, but delicate nonetheless. There is a lingering melancholic touch to most of the songs, but also a sense of happiness which is most welcome.

Jap Jap describes the style himself: as a ‘minimal yet melodic style of dance.’ A proper description, but as always with good music, the essence of it transcends pigeonholing. It all boils down to one thing: is it good? This definitely is.

Surfing onto Jap Jap’s own website he now has a special deal on his previous albums. Three albums and one EP go for as little as 20 Euro. I feel immensely tempted, but in a good way…