I seriously can’t figure out how JW Paris can get better and better with each single they release. Is it something in Luton’s water? Maybe it’s their diet? Drinks? Magic? Supernatural intervention? Whatever it is, this London based trio are on the roll and nobody can stop them. “Geeks and Freaks” came out today at midnight and I don’t have to tell you that it is their best single yet. The song already received spins on BBC Introducing and Radio X and obviously, it is getting rave reviews. We do not have much choice – we need to dive deep and tell you what we think. Hold on to your seats.
“Geeks and Freaks” single cover
“Geeks & Freaks” is the first track that JW Paris released outside of their acclaimed EPs titled “Stuck in a Video” (it came out last year) and “Stuck in a Video Part II”, which was released barely a month ago. Is it heralding their long overdue debut album or is it just a stand-alone digital single? We do not have the answers yet, but judging from the sound, it is very different from anything they have put out in recent months. I’m quite excited to think we might be finally getting a full-fledged vinyl somewhere in the near future as JW Paris are by far my absolutely favourite independent artist. They have been around for nearly a decade and it is time for them to finally put an album out.
“Geeks & Freaks” stands at 3 minutes and 41 seconds and it’s a brilliantly strange, psychedelic infused piece of rock music. Where to start? The beginning sounds like Oasis circa 1994, semi acoustic, Madchester summer vibes, bucket hats, please pass me a cricket bat (only kidding). Somewhere in the middle, things turn American with its grungy, heavy guitars and drumming so loud it easily could raise the dead. The vocals are fuzzy and distorted, the harmonized chorus is nearly Beatles-esque in the background as are the na-na-na’s towards the end of the track. It’s like a Liverpool/Manchester tripping excursion by Seattle and then back to London. Half a world musical travel under 4 minutes that will leave you slightly jet lagged but happy without the need to leave your comfy chair.
JW Paris in the lens of C24 Photography (Taylor Conboy)
The track is very radio friendly, with numerous tempo and vocal changes ranging from melodic singing to a bit over the top falsetto. It deals with topics of duality of the lives we are forced to live in modern times. The titular geek is the face we present to the outside world, our corporate, neatly cultivated face that calmly and rationally tries to deal with the complete ridiculousness of (zombie) capitalism that surrounds us. The freak represents our true nature, raw emotions, our genuine interests that we share with those closest to us. We are stuck in this dual hell loop looking for our way out, hoping not to lose our authenticity and morals along the way. Serious topic matched with a rather cheery sounding track. It has become something of a trademark for JW Paris recently, who seem pretty intent on confusing the audience and pushing them to finally start to think about the lyrics. God knows it’s really needed as I have seen teenagers twerking on TikTok to remixes of Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman” (homelessness of abuse victims) or Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise” (extreme poverty).
In short, “Geeks & Freaks” is an absolute blast. The band is one of the best that London scene has and they will prove it at the BBC Introducing Stage this coming Sunday (26th of May) at The BBC1 Big Weekend in Luton. If you are going, you cannot afford to miss their set.
5/5 – highly recommended.
You can follow the band on socials:
https://www.facebook.com/jwparismusic
https://www.instagram.com/jwparismusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@jwparismusic
https://www.youtube.com/@JWPARIS
https://twitter.com/jwparismusic
https://soundcloud.com/jwparis-music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Eh8L6V40D5B70XCOucwE3
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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