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The Outer Marker
is
the moody and confessional debut of JUST JACK. A
sensitive, soulful dub trip expressed through lyrical tales of
observation, relationships and the minutiae of social
interaction. Dense, funky rhythms coupled with a poetic, and at
times melancholic production approach make The Outer
Marker a unique sonic commentary and its creator
JUST JACK a working class troubadour blurring the of lines
of singer/songwriter/poet/ rapper and producer. Born and raised
in Camden, England, JUST JACK a/k/a 24-year-old Jack
Allsopp has taken his youthful exploits and love of d.j.
culture, early scratches of break dancing, hip hop, house and
electro and fused them into an infectious, sublime debut which
defies easy categorization. The Outer Marker
deftly moves from ethereal images of lost love and desire like
the exquisite opener "Let's Get Really Honest" (sampling 10cc's
'70's classic "I'm Not In Love”), "Deep Thrills” and "Ain't Too
Sad" to the brooding, groove laden, conversational pulse of
"Triple Tone Eyes”, "Contradictions" or the inimitable first
single, "Snowflakes." I've never been into one kind of music to
the detriment of others,” explains Jack. “I was always into
black music basically - funk, soul, hip hop, house - I never got
into the indie guitar thing at all. I’m not even good at
listening to the whole of an album by the same artist. So my
music is all about inclusion. Inclusion of everything I've
liked…The reason I rap is often simply because you can fit more
words in, but sometimes song is the best way to express myself."
The album title, The Outer Marker refers to a
quote from the film 'Die Hard 2', "but for me it signifies being
on the edge of things" explains Jack. That edge induces the
listener to feel when listening to his music. Says Jack, "All
music should communicate some kind of emotion." That kind of raw
sensitivity and vehemence is rarely captured as effortlessly as
it is here by JUST JACK, especially on such standouts as
"Heartburn" or "Lesson One."
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