Album review: Jamie Woon – Making Time
Tipped to be dubstep’s first crossover artist, Jamie Woon’s breakthrough track ‘Night Air’, produced by Burial was released in 2010. Educating listeners of his unique signature sound; fluid like vocals poured over seamless crisp beats, brought to life with the sound of electronics, Woon went on to release his first album in 2011. The mystical ‘Mirror Writing’ emerged, laced with relaxed R&B tunes bursting with his own typical stylistics. Now, 2015, Jamie Woon is making a return and deceiving prior expectations.
Making Time, released through PMR Records uncovers an evolved musical identity for Jamie Woon. With direct inspiration from D’Angelo, Woon carves a new feel to his tunes, redolent of 1990’s soul; this is evident from the get go with his first ‘Message’ which opens the album. Still flowing with unique, indefinable style the album justifies the lengthy delay in its’ landing.
The album has an earthy feel, the natural objects photographed on its cover and promo materials, represent its ingredients. With crisp, rattling beats, silky keys and liquid-like vocals there is a real freshness to Jamie Woon’s art. The first shared taster of new material ‘Sharpness’ is particularly evident of this.
‘Movement’ truly reveals the 32 year old Londoner’s return, with a bed of deep bassy beats lying under lyrical trills and serene tones. A musical purity which is exclusive in current times.
There is a lull mid-album, which is fitting and by no means a flaw. The intricacy of Woon’s work allows for less memorable sections and fewer hooks as the meticulous style makes for majesticity throughout.
A welcomed appearance from folk artist Willy Mason works well in ‘Celebration’ which is a warm presence on the album. With a jazz twist behind the vocals the track supports Jamie Woon’s versatility and adds another face to the record
Album storm ‘Thunder’ explores past eras and is woven with harmonies. Endorsed by Pharell Williams the vintage infused, bouncy ‘Sharpness’ is a real asset.
‘Little Wonder’ nestles delicate vocals amongst raw strings in along with ‘Lament’ which possesses a similar feel. Jamie Woon’s use of flowing vocals with elasticity and suppleness is the nucleus of Making Time.
‘Mirror Writing’ was a just a taster of Jamie Woon’s offerings and his now more soulful identity sparks questions of his next moves. There is a real attraction to the mystery behind this gem, we wait with baited breath to see what his 2016 tour may reveal.
