Jokyo’s latest record comes from a place of hardship, anger, sadness, and the whole whirlwind of emotions that loss and adversity can place onto a person. Written after his father was diagnosed with cancer and losing the love of his life, ‘House in My Head’ feels like an outpouring of emotions. But the record doesn’t for a moment feel angsty, it feels meticulously constructed, furbished, and polished in a strangely rough around the edges way. He’s composed the tracks with an intention and a structure, a strange medley of alternative rock, gothic sounds, and emo all under a drape of psychedelia.
‘Bleedin For ya Baby’ opens the album on a note that wouldn’t really at all give you an emo rock impression. The hazy production, the powerful but slightly clouded vocal performance, and the infectious key section that concludes the tune all make for a riveting listen that feels nigh hypnotic in nature. As you move into ‘Corpse Walkin’ the rhythm and feel changes drastically, almost switching to some sort of electronic or techno focused style. Here, his vocals are more flamboyant and clear while being placed over a pulsating percussive beat that doesn’t relent. On ‘Sweet Nostalgia’, he’s even rapping! But it’s perhaps in the titular and closing track that Jokyo really draws himself clearer than ever. It feels like the essential piece, the singular representation of his style. Messy, hazy, and somehow so deeply emotional, it captures a unique energy and musicality that he, and he alone is making.
A remarkably different and powerfully evocative modern rock record.