Jake Major’s The Amsterdam Tapes, Vol. 1: A Nostalgic Dive into Trance and Dance
Jake Major, a 19-year-old electronic music producer from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, delivers a thrilling homage to trance and Eurodance with his latest EP, The Amsterdam Tapes, Vol. 1. Known for his genre-blending approach, Major seamlessly merges 90s rave culture with 70s/80s synth influences, crafting a sound that is both retro and refreshingly modern.
Inspired by his love for the city of Amsterdam, Major channels the euphoria and escapism of dance music into four meticulously crafted tracks. This EP is his first full venture into trance/dance and marks a departure from his predominantly instrumental work, each track features lyrics, adding a new depth to his sonic storytelling.
These Pills of Lust and Longing
As the lead single, this track encapsulates the 90s rave scene with pulsating synths and provocative lyrics. At first glance, it may seem like a hedonistic celebration of party culture, but a closer listen reveals a cautionary tale about drug use in nightlife. With hypnotic beats and dreamlike vocals, Major captures both the highs and the dangers of chasing euphoria.
Euphoria Peloria
A summery, uplifting trance anthem, this song builds upon the themes of escapism and altered consciousness introduced in the first track. The ethereal synths and floating melodies mirror the psychedelic haze of a night lost in music, while the unique title references an idealized, otherworldly high.
How Can It Be?
Darker and grittier in tone, this track leans towards Eurodance with introspective lyrics about loneliness and resilience. Major’s British synthpop-style vocals contrast with the pulsating beats, evoking the isolation and longing often felt in club culture. The production is reminiscent of classic 90s dance compilations, yet the raw vocal delivery makes it distinctively his own.
Vigilante
Originally written when Major was just 16, this track was his first to be played on BBC Introducing. Now reworked with sprawling synth brass sections and spoken-word elements, it takes on a cinematic, dystopian feel, painting the image of a lone anti-hero watching over a neon-lit city. The expansive sound design and pulsing basslines make it a perfect closing track, leaving listeners immersed in its futuristic yet nostalgic atmosphere.
With The Amsterdam Tapes, Vol. 1, Jake Major successfully bridges past and present, taking listeners on a high-energy, emotionally charged journey through dance music history. This EP is a must-listen for fans of trance, Eurodance, and retro electronic sounds.
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