EP Review: 101 Reasons - J-Felix

101 Reasons is a love letter to 80s funk and groove - an impressively infectious slab of synths melodies and reverb soaked drums.

Marking his debut release for Tru Thoughts, Brighton based J-Felix wastes no time demonstrating his musical affection. This title track sounds like pure 80s joy - smooth vocals sets against synthetic drum pads and rough electro bass lines conjur up memories of some of the decade's best sounds. It's derivative, but effective.

Lady T is a little looser, more hip-hop influenced in its swinging beat, p-funk sounds and vocodered vocals. It is a limbered-up but laid back moment of smooth funk.

Finally the EP is closed out in the form of So Nice (It's Got To Be). Big crescendo orchestral synth kicks, rim shots and filtered vocals are played up to the max - equally retro, but sadly ever so slightly less joyous than those two other offerings. Where Lady T and 101 Reasons feel insistent and urgent, So Nice feels just that... Nice. Still, based on two of the three tracks here, J-Felix has delivered an impressive debut and looks like one to watch!

101 Reasons is released through Tru Thoughts on Monday, but you can grab it now from them directly here. Listen to the title track below.

Out 19th January 2015, “101 Reasons” is the debut release from new signing J-Felix on Tru Thoughts. The digital single lifts the lid on three addictive tracks with a heavy ‘80s funk lilt and a dubby rhythmic driving force, showcasing the sound of this Brighton based producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist as he works on his full LP. Originally from Bristol, Joe F Newman grew up on a diet of D&B, hip hop and dubwise music, and was inspired by the approach of those he saw taking the DIY route in the electrically exciting scene of his hometown. After discovering the sources of so many of the samples he heard, he then fell in love with all things funk, jazz and soul, developing a particular taste for the P-funk and boogie sounds which now come through heavily in his music. “The 80’s wasn’t good for much, so I often hear, but when it comes to funk it was a fantastic decade!” he enthuses. He has cut his teeth in an eclectic range of bands and musical projects, including touring internationally as Alice Russell’s guitarist, as well as having his work licensed to various compilations alongside the likes of DJ Vadim, Ta Ku and Opolopo (to name just a few) and picking up props from Mixmag and Hilly Dilly. He also absorbed a huge array of influences - from A Tribe Called Quest to The Clash to De La Soul; Jimi Hendrix to Snarky Puppy - before deciding the time had come to zoom in on his own sound. He was right to take the plunge; stepping out under his solo moniker, J-Felix, he found his woozy, heart-on-sleeve, P-funk laced songs quickly sparking interest. Eager to create his own sonic stamp, J-Felix steers away from samples in his music, instead layering up his own vocal and instrumental performances; self-taught on a range of instruments including drums, guitar, bass, keys and synths, he has an impressive range to choose from at his fingertips. While there is a clear identity running through the three tracks here, each brings a plethora of sonic flourishes to the party. The catchy and driving vocal of “101 Reasons” is a sincere ode to the value of excellent friends, woven through a happy-go-lucky, skip-along musical backdrop and a killer beat. “Lady T” celebrates the love of Newman’s life with a more abstract and upbeat, fluttering and romantic feel care of some artfully chopped up synth and vocal samples and a rhythm track that pays homage to “All night Long”, a classic with a groove that Newman can’t get enough of. “So Nice (It’s got to be)” continues his innate positivity: “I have always loved music that lifts you up somehow”, says Newman. He keeps the feeling alive and fresh, and steers well clear of cloying, with forward-looking twists and unique atmospheric touches like layering chunks of recorded street noise among the percussion track. As well as tinkering away in his funk factory, Newman also teaches music production and holds youth workshops, which ensures he is always on his toes and pushing himself towards new skills and tricks. His wide-ranging appreciation of music makes him a killer DJ, too; J-Felix plays at Tru Thoughts’ London party at The Forum in February, with more shows – both DJ and live act – to be announced. As a fan of Tru Thoughts from way back, Newman feels the stars are aligning: “It is amazing to sign to Tru Thoughts and to be acknowledged as an artist; to have my music supported by such a reputable (and friendly) label. Considering my influences and favourite music, both on TT and elsewhere, and especially after touring with Alice Russell, it feels like a natural home. And”, he tantalisingly suggests, “I look forward to collaborating with other artists on the label, a ball which has already started rolling...”