Will Jones
After years of refining his craft behind the scenes and fronting the acclaimed band Yakul, multi-instrumentalist James Berkeley steps into his own light with a rich fusion of analog synths, lush harmonies, and raw creative wisdom with his new EP, “In between A & B.”
Few artists transition from background architect to defining solo voice with as much flow-state authority as James Berkeley. As a producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, the UK-based prodigy has spent over a decade as a unique backbone for modern jazz, soul, and R&B; his musical touch has consistently elevated everything it touches. But with a blossoming solo catalog now at the forefront, Berkeley shows us why he might have felt like a well-guarded secret for some time.
“In Between A & B” might as well be called “In Between R&B,” for that is what remains constantly at the forefront of this EP. It stands as a seriously thoughtful collection of six tracks that takes us on a straightforward journey, yet one packed with pleasant surprises.
Berkeley describes the EP as a doorway between two chapters, one he has already outgrown and another he has yet to fully enter. That idea is closely tied to his own life in Brighton, which he is in the process of leaving as he works toward a move to Los Angeles. The songs sit in that uncertain space where moving forward can feel necessary and painful at once, with grief and growth unfolding together.
Across the record, Berkeley effortlessly toes the line between the analog and the digital. DAW-sampled beats and cascading arpeggiated synths trade space with rich piano voicings, while subtle track clicks and ambient studio noise creep into the fringe, warming up the mix with an irresistible intimacy. From nearly inescapable keyboard lines to a delicious, space-filling bass, “In Between A & B” stands as a masterclass in modern production. It captures an artist at the absolute height of his instincts, showcasing the overwhelming talent of James Berkeley while confirming that his journey is only getting started.
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