The keen reader might remember Allan Jamisen from a string of articles we published about the Phoenix-based artist in the past year. Writing about ‘All I Am Is You’ just a few months ago, we certainly took note of the project’s push towards sonic eclecticism. Leaving behind his usual rock’n’roll flair, Jamisen now enjoys venturing into hypnotic electronic territories with a haunting and playful flair. ‘This is Not an Act’ is the perfect evidence of that. Marking’s Allan’s latest effort, the single feels luscious and nocturnal, yet still hard-hitting and mysterious.
On the new single, Jamisen embraces his inner trip-hop allure, with an elegant saxophone driving the piece towards a kinetic, melodic resolution, one where flutes and cinematic textures co-exist with gloomy, bouncy beats. It’s the sort of material that you might expect from Massive Attack, yet supercharged by hints of acid jazz virtuosity. Seminal group Incognito could lend themselves to such a winning formula, for instance. Copenhagen-based electronic music producer and audio engineer Joachim Michaelis is on production duties.
Delving deeper into the meaningful ethos behind the record, Jamisen explains: “It represents the reflection of an inner dialogue of a person communicating with their ‘higher self,’ trying to grow beyond their limitations and past mistakes.” It’s a timely and observant theme, given humanity’s increased focus on self-improvement work and accountability. We suspect that listeners might relate to it particularly strongly, as we all strive for a better future and positive societal progress.
Recommended! Discover ‘This is Not an Act’ now: