Social media has become the primary conduit for independent artists to give context to their works. New album dropping? Let the people know what it’s about, where it’s at, who was involved etc. etc. But what happens when your social media has gone dark and a new full-length album appears? We only need to turn to Jordan XX and the new album R E T R O G R A D E to find out. Outside of one post announcing that the album exists, there’s nothing to frame the record. Quite frankly, this may be the ideal way to experience any record — just dive right in.
Across the nine tracks, Jordan XX crafts a dive through soundscapes evoking hazy atmospheres. It’s a slow paced dive, feeling elevated by substances taking you to another plane – like Hunter S Thompson stumbling through a casino – but, lyrically, Jordan XX is consistently sharp. “BIG STEPPA” kicks off the record with a reverb drenched croon that comes with a wry grin as Jordan remarks “We don’t step.” It’s a coy remark and indicative of the kind of verses that exist throughout the release; self-deprecation, cutting social commentary and the occasional lost-in-your-own-mind gazes. “BORN TO LIVE FLY” is the albums longest track and the pinnacle of the albums commentary – a distorted question rings out right at the center of the song before a verse with the album’s utmost clarity breaks through. It’s a subtle and brilliant use of undermining the album’s production for just a moment.
While it’s fascinating to ponder the intent and messaging of the record (and I’m positive there’s a through line there), it’s also important to note that it’s simply an enjoyable listen. Jordan XX’s flow is smooth and effortless. Tracks like “SMOKIN TOO MUCH” and “VICES 2 VICES” are a blast of fun. Bonus track “CRAZY 4 UR LOVE” leaves the record on a upbeat note with a wild abandon in the vocal delivery, some crunched out drums and an unexpected guitar solo.
Jordan XX has always brought a unique approach with each of his releases. The energy is there, it’s just expressed in a different way. There’s a musicality to the immersive approach that does not go unappreciated. There may be no social media posts to follow to gather additional context but there’s doesn’t need to be. The album is all you need, just queue it up, crank it up and float along.