J Majik, born James Spratling in Northwood, England, is a prominent drum and bass DJ and producer who emerged in the early 1990s. Active since his early teens, he initially released music under the alias DJ Dextrous on the Planet Earth label in 1992 with the breakbeat hardcore track “The Choice.” By 1994, he adopted the J Majik moniker to avoid confusion with another DJ Dextrous and began releasing music on labels like Suburban Base and Metalheadz. He later founded his own label, Infrared, in 1993, which remains active, releasing jungle and drum and bass on vinyl and digital formats.
Under the alias Innervisions, inspired by early Infrared EPs, J Majik explored side projects that blended genres like drum and bass, trip-hop, and ambient. This alias allowed him to experiment outside his primary drum and bass sound, notably with releases on labels like Reinforced, Basement, 10” Press, and Mo’ Wax. Described by Goldie as “The Luke Skywalker of Breakbeat,” J Majik gained recognition for his innovative production, collaborating with artists like Goldie, Photek, and Marc Mac (4Hero). His work as a remixer for acts like Everything But The Girl and Art Of Noise further showcased his versatility.
In 1997, J Majik released his debut album Slow Motion on Infrared, which included tracks from his Innervisions alias, such as “Mermaids” and “Organized Crime,” originally released on Mo’ Wax. His career spans decades, with recent works like Full Circle (2019) and Always Be (2020), reflecting both retrospective and futuristic elements of his style.
"Mermaids" 12" Single on Mo Wax RecordsThe 12" single Mermaids by Innervisions was released in 1996 on Mo Wax (catalog no. MW 051), a British label founded by James Lavelle known for its eclectic output, including trip-hop and electronic music. The single features two tracks: “Mermaids” (6:32) and “Organized Crime” (6:33), both produced by J Majik under the Innervisions alias. Licensed from Infrared Records, the release was pressed as a 12" vinyl at 33 ⅓ RPM, with a full-color cover designed by Ben Drury and Will Bankhead, featuring a painting by REQ 1.
“Mermaids”: Described as seductive and enchanting, this track captures a hypnotic, underwater atmosphere with mournful notes, sea wave sounds, and a downtempo rhythm at 95 BPM. It’s a standout for its immersive, ambient quality and is considered a highlight of J Majik’s work, blending trip-hop and electronic influences. Fans and critics praise its timeless appeal, with one reviewer noting it as a personal favorite for its “saturated hues in the monochrome silence.”
Critical Reception and Legacy
The Mermaids single is lauded for its experimental yet accessible sound, embodying the innovative spirit of Mo’ Wax’s 1996 catalog, alongside releases from artists like DJ Shadow and DJ Krush. Reviewers highlight its production quality and emotional depth, with “Mermaids” often cited for its unique, immersive vibe and “Organized Crime” for its bold, genre-blending energy. The release is seen as a pinnacle of J Majik’s mid-90s output, with fans on platforms like Drum & Bass Forum describing it as “unbelievable deep underwater music.” Its inclusion in Slow Motion further cements its significance in J Majik’s discography.
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