There is a mass amount of bands that sometimes go under the radar whom deserve much more press than given. The Los Angeles, CA based trio Jutty Ranx is one of those bands. Comprised of half-Jamaican Vocalist Justin Taylor, Finnish producer Jaakko Manninen, and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Malina, together they created a new form of Electro Pop music many adore. The team banded together in a Los Angeles studio, where all the recording, mixing, and mastering created their debut album entitled Discordia. Creating a buzz, their first single “I See You” earned a double platinum status in Italy and has gotten massive amounts of radio play across the pond, having the song remixed by several different DJ’s. Released on June 23rd via The End Records in North America, Discordia is one of those albums that grabs its audience immediately.
The title track kicks off the album with a sound straight out of the ’80s and listeners will not be able to stop themselves from pumping a fist in the air as the sun set and the credits rolled. With a synthesized keyboard sound that will have all bouncing in their seats and foreshadowing to what is about to happen for the rest of the album, this is the perfect start off track. The follow-up song, “I See You,” does not disappoint being their first single off the album and it is everything a band could want for a debut single. A flawless representation of their mix of electric keyboard, deep bass line, and Reggae vocals, it has a catchy beat as well as chorus to sing along with.
As the album progresses, “I’ll Bring My Love” is a mash up of the sultry ideas of The Weeknd and Jutty Ranx’s own unique Electronic Pop sound. Then there is “Castle Made of Stone,” which could best be described as a Dance love ballad that sounds like Bruno Mars meets Daft Punk. Although the lyricism is slow and deep, the tempo is dance worthy, making its conflicting emotions work together. “If I Was Your Man” has a 1950s’ Doo-Wop Rock beat as it follows the story from the previous song of a love ballad, and the concept of falling in love. In addition, it is perhaps the most musically simplistic song out of the album as computer generated beats are replaced with simple guitar riffs, solid bass line, and a constant drummed-up tempo that would put anyone in the mood for love.
Moving along, “Light You Up” has a similar sound to “I See You” with the infusion of Taylor’s Jamaican heritage; his Reggae style voice against the electronic sound, makes once again, an amazing dance track. “Work” has a powerful stimulating sound with its keyboard chords and simple beat. Do not think its repetitiveness makes the song boring, because it is the perfect workout song. “Just in Time,” “Keep it Moving,” “Believer,” “Parallel,” and “Concentrate” all keep along with the Techno, Pop, Reggae, mix the band had done throughout the album. Which leads into the haunting thirteen minute closing song, “Goodnight Ghost.” That is not a misprint, the song has a nearly four minute space where it is nearly silent. Nearly silent because somehow, if the listener really tunes in, they will be able to hear what sounds like echoes in the silence. The song itself is rather upbeat until the stillness, and as it builds again at minute eleven, Discordia ends with a muffled electronic beat.
Discordia somehow throws the audience back in time while still remaining fresh and unique. Even with its electronic sound, the record still has a soulful vibe that gives all the songs a sensual and unique tone the band was aiming for. Overall, Discordia seems to focus on a mix between love at first sight, a one night stand, and true love. With all that said, Jutty Ranx has a style all their own and it is what makes the album one that will be on repeat in anyone’s Electro Pop playlist. CrypticRock gives this album 5 out of 5 stars.
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