Drawing inspiration from the chaos of his neighbourhood in Chicago, the colourful world and imagination of J Fernandez is captured in his debut album Many Levels of Laughter...

For a debut album, Many Levels of Laughter has an impressively wide scope. J Fernandez takes us on a weird and interesting trip, from the '70s jazzy feel of 'Casual Encounter', through the '80s electronic synths of 'Read my Mind', right through to the futuristic sound of 'Apophis'.

With lyrics reflecting the profound (emotional mushroom trips), the mundane (dentist visits, board games) and life's other curiosities (sleep apnea, Craigslist encounters), it’s an album steeped in DIY origins, but offers a superior exploration of sound that’s all set to wrap J Fernandez in a far worldlier embrace.

Over the course of this album's 9 songs (31min, 38 sec) there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's an interesting album which has obviously been crafted with a lot of attention to detail. If J Fernandez can continue to build on this sound then his next album will be a feast for the senses.

8

Nick Smithson