What makes Wicked City by Jockstrap notable?

This EP received critical acclaim upon its release, with notable praise from outlets like Pitchfork and The Guardian, highlighting its unique blend of genres. It helped establish Jockstrap as a fresh voice in contemporary music, contributing to the resurgence of avant-garde pop in the UK. Wicked City is Jockstrap's debut EP, released on June 19, 2020, marking their emergence as a significant new act in the UK music scene. At this point, the duo had already begun to cultivate a following through their experimental pop sound and innovative live performances.

How many songs are on Wicked City?

Wicked City has 5 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Wicked City

Jockstrap · 2020

20 min · 5 tracks

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with glitchy beats and haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike exploration of urban isolation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Robert — The opening track introduces listeners to the duo's distinctive sound with its haunting melodies and intricate production, setting the tone for the entire EP.
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Acid — This track showcases Jockstrap's ability to blend playful synths with introspective lyrics, reflecting the complexities of urban life and personal experiences.
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The City — With its rich textures and layered instrumentation, this song encapsulates the central theme of urban alienation while maintaining an uplifting vibe.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP's experimental sound and unique structures create a compelling listening experience that stands out in contemporary music.

What we noticed

The opening track features a slow build with layered synths that gradually introduce glitchy beats and ethereal vocals.
Vocals are frequently processed with effects, creating a haunting quality that blends seamlessly with the instrumental backdrop.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Robert 3:29
2 Acid 3:50
3 Yellow in Green 3:17
4 The City 4:43
5 City Hell 5:26

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata