Well-versed in the music scene as a current member of Leisure and having prior success as part of a duo Kids of 88, now establishing himself as a solo artist, multi-talented kiwi producer Jordan Arts better known as High Hoops releases his debut album ‘Seasons on Planet Earth’.
The title coming into existence via the idea of changing weather patterns and trademark television having series and episodes resonating with him, admitting that these tracks are the different seasons of his life. Self-proclaiming overworking some areas of the album in terms of production and cutting his teeth at being the vocalist, manifested in his garage in Titirangi using old equipment, mixing was handed over to Simon Gooding at Roundhead Studios to perfect the project.
Acting as the pilot season, People leads the pack of the 11-song tracklist, starting strong with an intro that sounds like a dream sequence jolting into a sudden frozen stereo system. Funky electronic vibes take over before a satisfying repetitive chorus chants “people” as a shoutout to everyone that keeps you centred.
Madly is described by Arts as “unadulterated lust” or “menacing romance” and this bleeds through the vocals which further evoke infatuation.
Going through many incarnations before end product, Body is said to be the tone setter of the album utilizing some 80’s vibes with a mix of R&B and electronic sound effects. A surefire crowd favourite encompassing everything that there is to love about ‘Seasons’
Exploring more of his vocal range, Blue Eyes chimes in with an echoey falsetto fitting for a cruisy weekend easy listening as the guitar riffs melt your worries away.
American Singer/Songwriter Maesu features on Dangerous an almost trippy collaboration harnessing sultry energy.
Euphoria drips from the crescendoing guitar licks of Steady Rolling making you want to release your inhibitions while talking till 4 am in the morning with someone you can never get tired of, and Heatwave gives High Hoops vocals a rest, a quivering synth-heavy instrumental that’s hard not to groove with.
Initially mechanical and clunky to progressively more familiar, Burn It Up is reminiscent of the prior tracks on the record getting smoother by the end with its own essence of swagger.
Finally, the closer or perhaps season finale is Love On Repeat a feel-good catchy, blissful track that can only bring the optimist out of you with it’s simple but cheery exterior.
A happy ending to the rollercoaster of electronic alternative pop/r&b with influences from different era’s we so easily got invested into binge-listening to and can only hope a spin-off season will be just around the corner.
