I believe most of us find ourselves immersed in thoughts and emotions at midnight, having some sleepless nights and watching the dark spread outside and perhaps inside. We deal with these nights differently, and as for JaKovche_, his midnight thoughts were the inspiration that sparked his album, “Midnight Cigarette.”
Jakov Kacan is a Croatia-based artist who’s better known as JaKovche_. His two faces are as a musician and a game developer, which both showcase his artistic and creative mind. The 12-track album “Midnight Cigarette” is the result of two years of hard work, and when you listen to it, you can tell how much effort, talent, and emotion were invested in it.
“Midnight Cigarette” is like a diary written in the dark with the light of a lit cigarette. The general atmosphere is melancholic and somehow soothing. However, it turns perky sometimes, as in “Rain,” uplifting and liberating as in “Dreaming Again” and “I’m Free,” and dreamy and warm as in “Look at The Sky.”
There are so many emotions that are conveyed in all of the elements; desperation, loneliness, wondering, yearning, hoping, fearing, and breaking free. They’re captured in poetic lyrics, charismatic vocals, and sedative musical compositions. It’s a meditative, thought-provoking journey through mellow Indie Pop notes, superb, chilling guitar work, and an Ambient flair.
All of the twelve tracks share the same vibe, yet no one sounds like the other. Two of the tracks are a short intro and outro that set the storytelling mood for you, make all the singles feel connected, and demonstrate how everything is subtle.
Right after the intro, we move to “At Least To Me,” which is a dismal introduction to the album. It carries a blue mood through the slow-burning melody and soulful vocals. And we ride the emotional roller-coaster with its ups and downs until we arrive at “I’m Free,” which sounds brighter, despite the struggle between letting go of all the emotions and memories and holding on tighter. The riffs are dazzling here, the vocals are more loosed, shinier, and confident, and it’s all arranged to sound colorful.
It’s been a while since I listened to a full album that I liked all of its songs, but this aesthetic one is absolutely exquisite. All the songs are equally outstanding and make an instant genuine connection with one’s thoughts and sensations. Nevertheless, I think that “You Can’t Escape Your Destiny – Remastered” is my favorite. It just seemed to combine all of the emotions at once. It’s both bleak and restful, while also being relatable. The distinct music and vocal performance felt like some sort of ritual that calms one’s soul.
After a long day, when you can’t fall asleep and are sitting alone with your thoughts, “Midnight Cigarette” can be your comfort buddy for 45 minutes, and once you reach “Good Night,” you’ll either close your eyes and sleep or play it one more time.