The ninth release of katharsis is the EP “Journey Before Destination” by jjjacob, which is the first full release of the label founder on his own label. The EP spans six tracks and is quite a deviation in sound from his earlier releases on labels such as ANBA, high heal and Sweat Taste. Taking a step away from his usual tools of heavily automated synths and complex midi-based melodies, this EP focuses closely on recordings of acoustic instruments and vocals done by jjjacob himself throughout the pandemic year.

With titles and themes of “Journey Before Destination” drawing severely on The Stormlight Archive novel-series by Brandon Sanderson, the listener is taken on a dreamy trip through medieval landscapes and emotional worldbuilding. The sounds of heroic struggles, poignant pilgrimages and mystical creatures are carried through on the six tracks of the album by its melancholic piano phrases, processed guitar stretches and manipulated vocals. However, even though the acoustic instruments seem to be a change of expression for jjjacob, the recognizable layer of weird samples, field recordings and sound effects that usually pervade his music still flow through the whole EP.

released March 8, 2021

artwork by jjjacob
mastering by jjjacob