The solo project of up and coming singer-songwriter Jamie Hall, ‘Young & Spaced’ captures the exuberance and vibrancy of youth through soaring and soulful synth driven pop tunes. Combining modern with retro, Hall’s project is fairly genre agnostic through and through. Despite being an avowed singer-songwriter himself, the record breaks the arbitrary lines between the instrumental and lyrical with Hall’s production veering quite far off the minimalism that traditional songwriters ascribe to. There’s a prevailing sense of optimism that echoes throughout this record to the point of naivety. While Hall might be delving into topics that range from seemingly meaningless and trivial to downright existential, the mood never dulls.
Opening with a luscious synth section on the intro track ‘Lights, Camera..’ before entering into a much more layered and experimental offering that’s raucously rhythmic on ‘Action!’, Hall’s prowess as a producer is immediately made clear to the listener. Lyrics are a mere background piece on this record, adding more of a groove and style rather than substance. It’s infectiously funky, having you bopping your head along with eager attention. On ‘Back pt.1’, there’s a more restrained and minimal approach that lets Hall’s singing and lyrical dexterity take a more pronounced approach. The second part of that record sees the funk brought back with vigour, an eccentric and groovy jazz and synth confluence.
Growing up classically trained, Hall eventually yearned to break from the routine and structure. After falling into electronic music, he developed a fascination that would form the bedrock of what ‘Young & Spaced’ brings to life. It is an absolutely fascinating record, one that’s equal parts groovy and luscious. An album for the youth, to live vicariously through its own exuberance and energy.