jon e.: smoke
Francisco Espregueira
Natural Element, a fresh voice on the London scene, launches its label with a compelling debut release: Smoke from Fremantle-based producer Jon E. This three-track EP showcases Jon E's knack for crafting slick, sophisticated grooves that nod to both the raw energy of Detroit and the innovative spirit of London's broken beat pioneers.
The A-side's "New Ventures" is a beautifully constructed piece of jazzy house, driven by an infectious bassline and interwoven synths that create a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Flipping the record reveals "Sunflowers," a no-nonsense jam characterized by wonky drums, vibrant strings, and a soaring synth solo that evokes the brilliance of Kaidi Tatham. "Where & When" rounds out the Smoke EP with a bouncy, feel-good groove, featuring jazzy piano stabs and vocal contributions from Aeasheiaa. With Smoke, Jon E establishes himself as an artist to watch, and Natural Element signals its arrival as a label with a keen ear for quality. Available on vinyl.