J-Level - Daydream State

UK based Electronic producer J-Level releases his first full-length debut album Daydream State, which assembles the material he has been working on from the last two years. Here J-Level displays evident skill as a producer, drawing from a number of influences both electronic and otherwise. However, you cannot help but get the feeling that something is missing from Daydream State. Although each track has its own feel and character to it, at the same time nothing from the album really leaps out and bites you. Even the vocal track, The State of the Nation (singing provided by indie electo artists JHW and SW), fails to capture your attention for too long, despite the cockney drawl and soulful backing. Not a bad effort overall, with some good experimentation going on throughout - but unfortunately, this album just falls short of memorable. [Natalie Doyle]