Jake Major is a young artist whose sound defies his age. At just 19, the Newcastle-based musician has already crafted a distinctive space within the electronic music scene. His style pays homage to the synth-heavy pioneers of the 1980s, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Giorgio Moroder, and Vangelis, yet maintains a modern, forward-looking touch. While nostalgia plays a significant role in his sound, Major blends these influences with a contemporary edge, creating retro and refreshingly new music. His inspirations span decades, from the early electronic innovators of the 70s and 80s to the euphoric trance and dance anthems of the 90s, setting the stage for his first major project in the trance/dance world, ‘Amsterdam Tapes, Vol 1‘.
With this debut EP, Major embarks on a deeper exploration of trance and dance music, incorporating vocal-driven tracks for the first time, a departure from his traditionally instrumental work. ‘Amsterdam Tapes, Vol 1‘ marks a significant evolution in his artistry, blending intricate synth textures with heartfelt lyrics while fully embracing the spirit of 90s rave culture. Amsterdam, a city synonymous with electronic music, serves as both the thematic and personal backdrop for the EP. Many of the tracks were conceived during his visits to the city, capturing its vibrant nightlife and unique energy, further enriching the emotional resonance of the project.
The EP’s opening track, “These Pills of Lust and Longing,” sets the tone with a hypnotic blend of euphoria and melancholy. Rooted in 90s trance aesthetics, the track pulses with layered synths and entrancing beats. Lyrically, it explores themes of escapism and fleeting romance, subtly critiquing the hedonistic excesses of rave culture. The line “I don’t care if it’s laced” adds a darker undertone, highlighting the dangers of chasing artificial highs. The combination of atmospheric production and introspective lyricism makes for a compelling start, drawing the listener into the EP’s emotional journey.
“Euphoria Peloria” continues this theme of altered states but with a more organic synth arrangement that enhances its dreamlike quality. The title, a playful take on “euphoria,” references cannabis culture and the pursuit of the perfect high. Its lyrics depict a relationship caught between intoxication and surrender, with lines like “Euphoria Peloria, light and inhale the glory” evoking a sensory escape. The track’s lush textures and hazy atmosphere mirror the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, encapsulating the EP’s overarching themes of desire and detachment.
Shifting gears, “How Can It Be?” injects a dose of Eurodance energy into the EP, contrasting sharply with the previous tracks’ ethereal tones. The song delves into loneliness and emotional turmoil, with Major’s vulnerable vocal delivery amplifying the protagonist’s sense of alienation. “How can it be? I’m alone, and there’s no way out,” he sings, voicing a raw desperation that gradually transforms into resilience. The track’s progression mirrors the complexities of youth, where despair and defiance often intertwine. With its driving beat and 90s-inspired production, “How Can It Be?” stands out as one of the EP’s most dynamic offerings.
Closing the EP, “Vigilante” reimagines a song Major originally wrote at 16, now infused with a cinematic intensity. Featuring a spoken-word section and a bold synth brass arrangement, the track paints a dystopian narrative of a lone figure watching over a crime-ridden city. The lyrics explore both heroism and isolation, reflecting the solitude of the vigilante’s existence. The added elements in this revamped version elevate its storytelling, immersing the listener in a noir-esque, futuristic world. With ‘Amsterdam Tapes, Vol 1‘, Jake Major proves himself a formidable talent, seamlessly merging vintage influences with modern dancefloor sensibilities. Being a homage to the past, this EP signals the beginning of an exciting artistic evolution, one that promises even greater depth in the future.
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