yk records: Jasmin Kaset 2014

posted December 19, 2014 #

Many of the records I've put out have come to me in surprising ways - music I never knew existed or bands that I never thought would want to work with me. Jasmin Kaset falls into both of those categories. I had no idea that Quiet Machine was a thing that existed and, based on the greatness of her prior record - Hell and Half of Jordan - I assumed she probably needn't be involved with me. All that being said, I was pleasantly shocked when the offer came my way to assist in its release.

On the whole, the record is personal, introspective and just the right balance of third / first person storytelling. It waivers between upbeat pop moments - "Porno Mtn", "The Salesman" - and more melancholy journeys - "Lionshare".

The artwork was a two parter - the main image coming from Jasmin's sister-in-law, Jacqui Stockdale, and the layout expertise stemming from Drew Binkley. The digital version doesn't quite do it justice as it really looks best quite large and with the proper glossy overprint but, either way, it's a nice jumping off point to the songs within, which are strange character studies themselves.

All and all, I think it is objectively a great record. It has inspired me to push the label further and do my best to get these songs to as wide of an audience as possible because it would be damn shame if they did not. Do yourself a real favor and go listen.