Whether it was on purpose or not, there’s a lot of irony in the title of James Linck’s new No Future EP.
The latest release from the rising Detroit singer/songwriter/producer is named after the spacey title track, a carefree and purposely reckless sonic joyride that finds James using his elastic vocals to explain how our goals in life don’t always materialize the way we envision. However, the way Linck enhances that potentially downtrodden reality with layers of bubbly digital production, listeners are left optimistic either way. That calloused spirit is the heart of James’ whole project.
“I wanted to blend what I was seeing at large in society with what was going on with me personally and not make a whole lot of literal distinction between the two,” James told us. “I didn’t deliberately do this, but listening back now, it kind of sounds like a goodbye letter. Which is fitting since I’m moving out to Los Angeles after the holidays. In spite of the album title, I think the record has a pretty positive vibe.”
“In the track ‘The Artist,’ I say, ‘When I look towards the future, it’s like looking at the wall, but walls are only so talk,'” he continues. “I think that really sums up what I was trying to convey on this project.”
Filled with themes like earning trust (“Half Up Front”), not taking things too seriously (“Black to Black”) and staying the course amongst recourse (“When Cars Fly”), the five track project is packed with positive vibes most people can benefit from, in mind, body and spirit. The best part is James’ tunes are easy to digest, thanks to his pop tendencies and ever-evolving experimental soundscapes. The vibrant, expanded grooves are partially because Linck went out of his comfort zone this go ’round.
“No Future was recorded in the past year following the release of Small World. I really utilized a lot of friends recording this one. Whether it was just using an instrumental they had produced, or tracking certain instruments, or mixing and little production tweeks, more hands were on these songs than anything else previously in my catalog.”
Anyone who feels stuck in their ways, musically or in life, should should soak up some growth from No Future from James Linck. The first-hand experiences he offers are relatable and an enjoyable spin for days when direction is hard to find.
