Mr Jukes is here with his first release of 2021, a collaboration with Barney Artist titled ‘Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind)’.
Opening with melodic vocables, ‘Blowin Steam (Open Up Your Mind)’ immediately engulfs you in a warm electronic world. The track begins with Mr Jukes (aka Jack Steadman) singing in an almost a cappella fashion over a repetitive layer of drum pad percussion. It feels like a funky and fresh perspective for Mr Jukes, as though he is broadening his sonic horizons. The single follows on from the pair’s previous collaboration ‘From Golden Stars Comes Silver Dew’, a single from Mr Jukes’ debut album ‘God First’.
The verses are delivered in rap form from Barney Artist, providing eloquent and witty lines to accompany the flowing melody:
“And I’ve been cooking for weeks / I’ve made a big batch / And I’ve been pulling receipts / I need a gift wrap”
The chorus delivers scrubbed record sounds, with Barney Artist directing the listener to “Open up your mind”. The scratched vinyl sounds form an additional level of experimental percussion, throwing back to old school turntablism. The coordination between Steadman’s vocal melodic lead and Barney Artist’s energetic lyrics results in a track that clearly deserves a top spot in the charts.
“Blowin Steam happened so organically. Our first proper session together… the beat immediately connecting with Barney and the lyrics written within hours.” – Mr Jukes on ‘Blowin Steam (Open Up your Mind)’
Jack Steadman has continued to broaden his musical influence, known by many indie fans as the lead vocalist from Bombay Bicycle Club. This new track feels invigorating and garden-fresh, designed to uplift listeners and make them look forward to the world reopening after lockdown.
