Jj Brown, a rising and multi-genre talented artist with a penchant for perfectly curated beats, is back with his new EP, ‘Unfriendly Black Hottie’. A three-track EP, it’s a melodic snapshot of late-night introspection, wrapped in a fuzzy, post-punk blanket. Self-produced and built around Jj’s instrumentals, it’s a welcome and compelling introduction that demands repeat listens.
'Spring Fling' kicks things off with a looping stream of distorted indie energy, laced with a subtle dark wave undercurrent. Jj’s vocals, smooth and emotive, glide effortlessly over the layered instrumentation, creating a dreamy, melodic atmosphere that lingers perfectly. At just 1:40, it’s the definition of short, but sweet, and that works in its favour, making that replay button an irresistible push.
'You Don't Even Go Here', a nod to the iconic 'Mean Girls' quote, follows in a similar vein, but with a more pronounced nostalgic edge. There’s a noticeable new wave line that cuts through the track, and while Jj has filtered it perfectly through a modern lens, the nostalgic kick is undeniable. The track’s atmosphere is thick with a tantalising, almost bittersweet vibe, conjuring images of hazy, neon-lit nights.
'Bullet Train', the EP’s longest and most spacious track, takes a different, but equally undeniable turn. A cover of Dream,Ivory's original track, it sees Jj creatively recreating the instrumentals to deliver a kaleidoscopic, slightly off-kilter anthem. Built on staggered synths and spliced beats that shine with a neon glow. The track feels more reflective and soulful, revealing a more intimate side to Jj’s music. The repeated refrain of “I can’t get away” resonates with raw honesty, adding a layer of depth to the EP’s overall mood. The track’s spacious arrangement allows you to sink into the soundscape, swimming in that hazy moment and drifting away within it.
Jj’s DIY approach shines throughout 'Unfriendly Black Hottie'. As he explained, he played all the guitar, bass, and synth parts, while also producing the drums on his MIDI. The total control over the EP adds to its authentic feel, delivering an unadulterated creative vision and a perfect snapshot of his talents.
A brief but undeniably impressive EP, ‘Unfriendly Black Hottie’ is a promising glimpse into Jj’s sonic world, leaving us eager to hear what he’ll deliver next. For more from Jj, be sure to follow him today on Instagram and YouTube.