Is this the final full album from acclaimed artist John Askew? This marks his first release since ‘Z List Uber Star’, which approaches its 20th anniversary milestone. Coupled with the intriguing titling of ‘A Room Full Of Pros & Cons’ and its intriguing album cover, it certainly raises some eyebrows.
However, there’s depth beyond the surface. Considering John’s hectic production schedule, management responsibilities in the music business, international DJ performances, and event organization, it’s understandable that it has taken him five years to perfect ‘A Room Full Of Pros & Cons’. This title encapsulates a lifetime of insights from his diverse experiences within the electronic music industry, traversing from England’s free party scene to becoming a resident at Ministry of Sound. He has navigated being managed by top agencies while also representing legendary acts, all while steadfastly refusing to compromise his artistic vision—a hallmark of his career.
Each track within ‘A Room Full Of Pros & Cons’—such as ‘Running In The Dark’, ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’, ‘Take A Breath’, ‘When Darkness Comes’, ‘I Want Your Soul’, and ‘Afterburner’—echoes its overarching themes. Many tracks are underscored by John’s recognizable sound, characterized by its immediacy, intensity, and dance-floor appeal. The album showcases his unique balance of light and darkness, ensuring that every pulsating beat carries its own emotional weight and vibrant color.
Some tracks exhibit their power through inventive studio techniques. ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ (featuring vocalist Lyonheart) delivers a heartfelt experience with breakbeats, while ‘Grave Digger’ presents a haunting atmosphere powered by John’s own vocals—a deep dive into the darker themes of the album. In a bold deviation, ‘00.00’ was originally intended as the album’s overture but now serves as track 5, providing a refreshing palate-cleanse before progressing into the euphoric ‘Take A Breath’, featuring Sikh singer Manika Kaur, alongside the infectious energy of ‘Running In The Dark’.
Artists like John Askew rarely collaborate with vocalists, but Ohio-born/Nashville-based singer Shelby Merry takes on a significant role across three tracks, each uniquely contributing to the album’s narrative.
If this indeed serves as John’s concluding LP, he gifts us with 15 meticulously crafted tracks that flow seamlessly together, creating a captivating journey that will resonate with his dedicated fans while captivating new audiences. A blend of industry celebration and cautionary tales, ‘A Room Full Of Pros & Cons’ is set to be released on physical and digital formats on September 27. Prepare yourselves for a powerful experience. [blackhole.lnk.to/proscons]
