This is an enigmatic work from the Cornish synth master, from HOLD. STAR. RETURN, his up and coming album. White Tea from a Vending Machine is the second single; it opens with a woozy gentleness that envelops you and sinks you into a comforting space with its simple retro-synth sound and layered soft vocals.
White Tea from a Vending Machine may appear to be a humdrum moment from anyone’s day but the lyrics move in a strange and tense direction: “Black coffee and codeine; deodorant and chlorine”. Something will be “the death of us all…” David A Jaycock scatters clues throughout his compositions, something begins to unsettle.
Similarly, the video delves into memory, shaky moments endlessly replayed, a journey back in which fragments surface, their meaning explored. Trying to make sense of liminal spaces is an oft-visited place and whether the repeated view of a memory will bring about enlightenment is anyone’s guess. I think this is the message being conveyed here.
HOLD. STAR. RETURN is “an imaginative sidestep into synth pop and experimental electronica, inspired by the music of his early youth – from Japan and Eurythmics to Kraftwerk and Vangelis.”
Scottish singer-songwriter and Domino Records recording artist James Yorkston contributes creatively and helped release the album via his DIY micro-label CRAWS. Says Jaycock about Yorkston. “He puts me on to some great music. He gave me a kick to keep at this record and add lyrics and found time to add spoken word and backing vocals with some dulcimer thrown in. He is one of the most supportive, generous with thought and time musicians I know. He is a great listener.”
davidajaycock.bandcamp.com /// jamesyorkston.co.uk
White Tea from a Vending Machine is available now.
Hold. Star. Return. Album release date: 17 May 2023 via Jame’s Yorkston’s DIY micro label Craws