Photography by Lexy Galvis

Few artists have captivated my attention coming into the new year than Odesza label-mate/ rising star, Jackson A.K.A Big Wild. With equally formidable skills as a producer and live performer, Jackson has proven himself to be far more than an opening act. Although Big Wild has enjoyed a growing fanbase and higher billing on festival lineups in recent times, he has yet to release any official body of work, until now. His new EP, titled after its first single, the uber powerful “Invincible” collaboration with Ida Hawk, dropped today via Foreign Family Collective.

If I had any sort of eye for film, I would love to craft a short film with this EP serving as a soundtrack, because it has such a cohesive cinematic element to it. From start to finish, Invincible tells a story. Despite the linear way that it presents itself, Invincible is incredibly diverse for a five track EP.

TRACK BY TRACK

“When I Get There”, the first track of the collection, invokes a booze soaked drive to an ex’s house (*maybe that’s just me) (**not recommended) with dark, hypnotic synth and bass punctuated by licks of electric guitar.

The EP ramps up for a lovely collaboration with Malaysian up-and-coming indie popstar Yuna, “Empty Room”. Yuna’s energetic alt-R&B vocals paired with a message of independence gives this song the kind of pop sensibility that makes a radio hit.

Invincible hits it’s peak with “I Just Wanna”, a funky, all out romp that invokes the sound that fans have grown to appreciate from Big Wild- this is certainly a great song to see Jackson perform live with the drums.

The penultimate and namesake track, “Invincible” is definitely my personal favorite of the collection- this song carries such a strong message of perseverance, the summoning of one’s own strength- becoming invincible. Oh, and it brings the wubbz. I also really appreciate how integral iDA HAWK’s vocals are to the track; in a time where vocals on dance tracks can seem almost completely interchangeable, this is a really strong performance.

Invincible wraps up really nicely with “Crickets”, an almost ethereal tale of two crickets falling in love under the night sky. Once again, Big Wild effortlessly melts organic guitar with all encompassing synth and echoing percussion. If you close your eyes and listen to this, it’s easy to put yourself in the narrative the song weaves.

You can check out the EP in its entirety here:

We spoke with Big Wild this year at SnowGlobe music festival- we talked about new music and new years resolutions; and captured some of his jam packed night closing set, as well:

Check Big Wild out in a city near you:

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