BLK JKS - Mystery [EP]

Secretly Canadian

The cover of BLK JKS’s debut Mystery EP shows two African boys running for a train. Quite whether or not this is an intended metaphor for the band’s own journey to this point is unclear, but it serves as an excellent one none-the-less. Forming in 2000 in Johannesburg, the band only made it on to their new home Secretly Canadian (actually the band are more secretly Brooklynite, ironic given Vampire Weekend coming off as secretly African) by way of a series of rather vague chance meetings and other such timely events. The one thing that is clear however, is that these events culminated in an excellent result for band, label and music fan.

It may have taken 8 years to bring Mystery to the world (it was originally released last year as a vinyl only limited edition release), but it was most certainly worth the wait. Much of what BLK JKS (pronounced ‘Black Jacks’) do brings to mind TV on the Radio, both the vocals of lead singer Linda Buthelezi (he is male), and also much of their songwriting. The beats and bass of opening track “Lakeside” are straight off Return to Cookie Mountain, not that anyone can accuse BLK JKS of plagiarism, as these parts are no doubt older than the release of their sum. It’s a fantastic introduction to the band and one thing is instantly clear; the length of time it has taken to get this far. This most certainly does not sound like a cobbled together EP, rushed released to appease hype-believing hyper fans as is often the case in the UK. Mystery sounds truly considered, with as much direction and purpose as the best full length releases; let’s hope they maintain this when they release their own later this year. The title track and “Summertime” continue BLK JKS’ approach of slowly creating the perfect potion. They gradually introduce various ingredients like some mad professor until they achieve the desired effervescent concoction.

Final track “It’s in Every Thing You’ll See” bucks this trend, remaining wistful and melancholic throughout. It perhaps means the band don’t sign off in a style that represents them most accurately (their live shows are generally vivacious affairs), but it does demonstrate that there is more than one string to their bow. Regardless of this, their aim is certainly true so far.

Track List:

Lakeside
Mystery
Summertime
It's in Every Thing You'll See