A gripping hip-hop sound compels throughout APERTURE, the new album from Bay Area-based artist Jthurston, as it explores themes of selfhood and personal identity. From the soulfully infectious vocal flow of the intro to the lush, late-night introspection of “EVENTUALLY,” the album’s riveting production supports a philosophical meditation on the self. Jthurston poetically weaves in the mechanics of a camera—lens, lighting, and exposure—within the framework of Carl Jung’s shadow aspect philosophy.
The tracks on APERTURE portray a journey of personal development, capturing moments shaped by trauma, doubt, and ego, as well as resilience and truth. These emotive contemplations reflect a soul and identity coming into focus within a metaphorical darkroom—gradually stepping into full light and away from the ambiguity of shadows. The result is a compelling and cohesive project that illustrates healing through the embrace of one’s hidden self.
“INTRO” kicks off the album with a poignant vocal refrain, aspiring in “trying to see you” like a glimpse that keeps eluding the camera lens. Jthurston’s precise vocal flow exudes a catchy hip-hop cohesion amidst the moody backdrop, with steady percussion and the “trying to see” soulful backing vocal. “Everyone comes with an angle, mine’s forever acute,” he continues, furthering the camera metaphors amidst ponderings on being wary of societal elements — like the acceptance of others, and the foreboding nature of self-first individuals. The “setting a destination” melodic shift is especially captivating, exemplary of Jthurston’s knack for catching, effective tonal shifts.
Another highlight, “SAFE” embraces the dark pop realm — weaving woozy synth pads and a harmonious, escalating vocal presence alongside pulsing percussion. “You know when the stars align,” the vocals let out, into a “need you” pining that’s bolstered by magnetic synth lines — and into a lovely, caressing central hook with a gorgeous electro-pop vulnerability. An acceptance of baring one’s soul, particularly in the context of being upfront about emotions, is conveyed artfully here. The ensuing “I TOLD YOU SO” continues that nocturnal pop feeling, while re-infusing a consuming hip-hop vocal delivery following the replay-inducing pop moments.
“INTUITION” is a masterful standout as well, especially in its chilling atmospheric construction. “I know half these people gon’ be happy at my funeral,” a solemn initial vocal admits, building into a “better off alone” admission — touting a renewed confidence in oneself, and not relying on the presence of others that possess a harmful ethos. The trusting of personal “intuition” on this track makes for another enveloping success, as does “CUTTHROAT,” which melds memorable piano-led beats alongside eclectic, old-school hip-hop vocal forays. APERTURE is an enthralling hip-hop success, with commendable lyrical consciousness, from Jthurston.
