Paul Jacks - Breaks down boundaries on new record

A Electronica album that is so much more than a genre

For almost twenty years Paul Jacks has created a unique and challenging sonic landscape, beginning with his work with Indie groups Smile Ease and Asteroid and ascending to the critically acclaimed solo albums 'Defractor', 'In other Words', and 'Black Jackal'. This artistic restlessness finds its newest release in Jacks’ fourth studio album 'Amphibious', in which he shifts direction from the New Wave vibes of 'In other Words' and the dystopian World of 'Black Jackal', and embraces change. With 'Black Jackal' behind him, Jacks sought a producer so he could “focus on the lyrics and the themes and the emotions. Enter Alex Newport, the esteemed British born, L.A. based Producer / Composer who has worked with groups like Death Cab for Cutie, Bloc Party, Mars Volta, At the Drive In, Matt Costa, and The Sounds.

Having previously worked together on their 2021 dual single 'Foolish Pride', and B-side 'I would give Everything', Jacks and Newport connected with their similar New Wave tastes, and Newport liked the demos which eventually became 'Amphibious'. Unlike 'Black Jackal', for which all the individual songs were completed before Jacks ever stepped into the studio, several songs for 'Amphibious' were not. He was encouraged by Newport to write into form, i.e., he wrote, rewrote, and improved songs during the actual process of recording

Among the songs created during this process was the single 'Amphibious' itself, which Jacks originally began writing on guitar. Jacks ventured back to his original instrument to complete it on the piano, acquiring more depth of sound and feeling. It also connected to themes of adaptation and rebirth that Jacks had been exploring, and ultimately became the centerpiece of the album’s nine tracks. With Newport taking over heavy- ifting duties as producer, Jacks focused on writing and the results reflect his expansive, eclectic tastes. 'If I were a better Man', for example, captures the sad, dark remains of a failed relationship left behind only by “captions” which leave you alone and defeated. By contrast, 'My love has to Ask' is a deliberate, affectionate effort to make a Motown like Pop song, not only with it's long, 'Love' centered title, but with a bassline groove provided by producer Newport himself. 

On 'Left in Haste', Jacks creates organic space within the song, resulting in “a kind of free flowing stream of consciousness” in which the chorus and verse are virtually indiscernible. 'Walk on Five' incorporates numerology, using five as the number of power, strength, spiritual growth, humanity, and imagination.  Production on 'Amphibious' lasted from mid June to mid July 2022; in addition to Newport on bass, the 'Amphibious' team included Jason Searle and Leo Abrahams on additional guitars; Dylan Mandel on drums; and Alexis Mahler on strings. Jacks’ and Newport’s exacting work extended to vocals, leading to a soft and lulling approach which suggests what might have happened if Phil Spector had had the chance to work with Joy Division. Moving forward, Jacks anticipates working with producers on more album projects. 'Amphibious; will be available on all streaming platforms, as well as in a limited edition special vinyl which will be able to be purchased at the Tritone store: www.TritoneRecords.net later on in 2023.

““I’m constantly on a journey of learning, and trying to create a new sound and explore, who is always determined to not get pigeon holed into one genre. There are themes of survival, adaptation, growth, and awareness throughout the album.  It was risky, vecause in the end you don’t necessarily have time to go, Okay, I’m not happy with this one, let’s try and and put a new one in. When you finish up a project, there’s this empty void that is kind of sad, I really didn’t want it to end.” - Paul Jacks

'Amphibious' tracklisting Below:

1. If I were a better Man
2. Brand new Shame
3. Left in a Haste
4. Die for your Love
5. Amphibious
6. That Girl
7. Walk on Five
8. Real Life
9. My love has to Ask