James’ name might be familiar through his releases and remixes on labels including Rebirth, My Favorite Robot and Connect Four but now the Toronto-based DJ-producer has signed an album deal with Radio Slave’s wonderful Rekids and ceremoniously uncorks a sparkling debut album. After ‘B4 Spring’ sets a dark tone with doomy Suicide chords, subsequent tracks ‘Monaco Villa’ and ‘Late Blooming’ show how the man has developed his own unique sound, topping liquid electronic throb-scapes with vocals which can recall anyone from Can’s Damo Suzuki to John Martyn. This easing in of traditional flavours with ultra-modern electronic excursions characterises several tracks; for example, ‘Seven Day Mend’ echoes late 60s proto-progsters King Crimson. Having said that, Mr Fingers dreaminess wafts into the luscious deep house of ‘Left Believing’. After hallucinogenic ballad ‘All We Have Is Time’ closes the album in an after-hours jazz club with the ghost of Syd Barrett, there is no doubt that Mr Teej has turned in something rather special for his long-playing debut.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs