Jovian's Witness - My Friends Are Better Than Your Friends

Jovian's Witness

My Friends Are Better Than Your Friends
self-released; 2013

3.9 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

With a title like My Friends Are Better Than Your Friends a listener can never be sure as to what they are about to hear. This album by young producer Jovian’s Witness, gives us a collection of surprising sounds and inspiring melodies. Apparently the album is an ode to his high school friends that helped him through some rough times, thus the reasoning behind the title. Throughout the album, the variations and sounds all emit a somewhat somber yet optimistic tone, one that emanates hope and the promise of the future. There is a certain element to the album that really has a glorious vibe, the sounds are rich and colorful and at times deep and emotional. 

The album can be described as an experimental work, where many different sounds, samples, effects and instruments can be heard, even on one single track. Sampling of some really unique vocal pieces can be heard in the track “Endless Field.” Also, the track “Hula Girl” is based around an interesting vocal sample that is highlighted by some creepy yet inviting percussion tones.

The album overall is very dreamy and ethereal, all of the tracks are wavy and can perhaps fit in the shoegaze genre. Each song is very colorful in the structuring, a steep composition with many different tones and samples to catch your attention. The artist admits to using up to 50 different instrument samples in one song. The track “Little Cloud,” is very self-explanatory, it is so fluffy feeling and the beat just moves along with the wind, picking up random sounds along the way.

Overall, the album is a very unique and well-composed production of a series of compelling sounds and melodies. The sound is very experimental and uses all the capabilities of musical technology, the artist here really goes all-out in an effort to break the norms in regard to ambient and experimental music. Jovian’s Witness definitely has developed his own unique style through the completion of My Friends Are Better Than Your Friends.

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