JUGGER - NIGHTMARE
Weekly Music
JUGGER's
recent release, "PUPPET MASTER," quickly secured a spot among my personal favorites. The standout track for me is undeniably "NIGHTMARE." What distinguishes JUGGER from the current Toronto scene is his unparalleled dark aesthetic. This encompasses his gritty sound, strategic production choices, and visually compelling elements, resulting in a distinctive and comprehensive music career. Right from the start, "NIGHTMARE" grabs your attention with heavily distorted boombap drums, injecting an immediate sense of upbeat confidence and mischief. JUGGER's delivery adopts a dark and grimy cadence, coupled with a high-energy performance that perfectly encapsulates the overall tone and vibe of the entire project. JUGGER’s vocal tonality on this song takes you to another dimension, he has this distinct voice that demands your attention. JUGGER's got the right approach, his voice hits the perfect balance between low and high tones. The way he delivers that raspy style is what makes this song stand out for me. Imagine Halloween movies transposed into a dark, trap-heavy soundtrack that anticipates the appearance of Michael Myers — an excitement that this song effortlessly conveys. One thing that all good songs have in common is setting up a compelling atmosphere. This song does just that, it sets a dark gritty, and larger-than-life atmosphere with production and JUGGER’s distinct vocals. JUGGER's reminds me of Travis Scott. Much like Scott's approach, JUGGER skillfully utilizes unique dark production and mixing styles to craft a captivating atmosphere.
This ability to create a strong and distinct ambiance is a hallmark of JUGGER's musical talents, ensuring that his work leaves a mark on listeners. In an era where many artists fall short, JUGGER excels in another crucial aspect — the artwork. The visuals associated with "NIGHTMARE" perfectly set the tone for the impending musical experience. The cover art boasts a dark aesthetic complemented by clean red text spelling out "PUPPET MASTER" and a vintage, painted-like effect overlaying the image. This attention to detail enhances the overall immersive quality of the album. "NIGHTMARE" is just one gem in the treasure trove of JUGGER's latest LP, "PUPPET MASTER," consisting of a total of 13 tracks. Among these, notable mentions include "D’LIT," "MONEY TALKS," and "EYEZ WIDE," each contributing to the project's richness and diversity. JUGGER's ability to weave together a project of engaging sounds and visuals makes "PUPPET MASTER" a compelling and memorable piece of work. I enjoyed the unique experience that this project delivers and especially how amazing the track “NIGHTMARE” sounds, it’s the project’s highlight and a song that showcases JUGGER’s skills and talent. I can't wait to see what JUGGER does next. I hope he teams up with more artists, especially since there are a bunch of talented folks in the city making that darker, niche sound.
Written by Maxim Bayarsky
