Milton Jackson - Crash out in January
Milton Jackson will release Crash on January 19th, which is the first ep of his forthcoming album of the same title out in February 2009.
Counting luminaries such as Ewan Pearson, Danny Howells, Prins Thomas, Osunlade as well as the inimitable Laurent Garnier and Sebo K as fans of this years underground hit ‘Ghosts in My Machines’, and with releases to date on such revered dance labels as Glasgow Underground, Freerange, Tsuba, Urbantorque, Silver Network and Icon, Glasgow’s Milton Jackson remains a force to be reckoned with when it comes to forward thinking, club friendly tracks. That’s why his recent productions and remixes for the likes of NRK, Tsuba, Winding Road and here at Freerange have been causing something of a stir and have ensured his reputation continues to grow accordingly.
Here we have the first EP from Milton’s exceptional forthcoming artist album on Freerange, due early in 2009. Title track ‘Crash’, released 19th January, is a widescreen, surround-sound slice of prime time club wrecking heaviness. Driving 16th note synth and bass patterns make sure things roll along with the pace and weight of the Silver Streak whilst the chords will make sure this one becomes one to remember at many an early morning session involving some degree of hedonism.
Next up is Rhythm Track, a supremely constructed, stripped back minimal house track that keeps things simple but is by no means lacking in vigour. It’s got groove by the lorry load and the highly charged arrangement will ensure dance frenzy ensues on droppage.
Finally the Glam Mix of Crash offers a slightly less frenetic version of the original with clipped drums, wobbly bass and those dreamytime pads to help lift the spirits.
Crash, the album, was recorded from January to September of 2008. A prolific producer and DJ hitherto, Jackson was close to quitting music in December 07, when Freerange talked him out of it. He then recorded ‘Ghosts In My Machines’ for the Freerange 100th release, which was probably his biggest track to date. On the basis of that success Freerange asked him to record an album.
The main influences and ideas shaping the record were a return to the organic, yet still quite techy sounds. Says Jackson, “I tried to infuse a bit of feeling and soul into the tracks as well. A lot of the inspiration came from old records by guys like Les Baxter who did quite a few ‘exotica’ records in the late 60s and early 70s.” Many of the samples on the album are from those early records but twisted into something a bit more modern. “I try to take influences from outside dance music if I can, as that’s the basis (hopefully) for a fresher sound. I also tried to infuse some Sci-Fi / space elements in there as well as I’m quite into that stuff.”
Moody, compelling and upbeat, this is deep house at its finest; replete with subtle, wandering nocturnal motifs, cinematic strings, rolling basslines and techy bleeps, the slick off-key, tender-tough melodies display an impressive depth in production.
Track-listing
Prelude to A Ghost
Ghosts in My Machines
Backwards Disco
Crash
Another fine mess
Rhythm Track
Snap Crackle
Got To Hold On
Rogue Element (surprise)
Orbit 3
Prototypes
Cycles (album version)
Outrosection
Singles
Crash EP - 19th Jan
Crash Remixes Pt 1 (Wahoo &b Lovebirds) - 9th Feb
Crash remixes Pt 2 (H.O.S.H & Jimpster) - 23rd Feb
