Even before his first experiment with dystopian futurism on 2016’s Escape from ATL, producer Jeremi Johnson, aka 10th Letter, was using a sci-fi lens to order and examine the current state of the world. With his upcoming album Ultra Violence, Johnson amplifies the philosophical stakes while overloading the sonic intensity as he sets his sights on the state of morality in the internet age. The first sample of the record, which takes place in the same universe as Escape from ATL, might have thoughtful origins, but “Betamax Torso” is a mind-bending cacophony of pressurized house beats and choppy melodies that pummel the listener into neon-hued submission.
The track recalls everything in the chiptune universe except the genre itself, and it’s partially this ability to interact with musical concepts from unusual angles that makes 10th Letter’s songwriting so unique. Even more so, what has always set Johnson apart is his ability to craft narrative without lyrics, and it’s evident from “Betamax Torso” that the intrigue is only beginning. According to Johnson, there’s more chaos than ever before in Neo ATL, and the aptly named hero for such a world, Ultra Violence, will be forced to confront “an inter-dimensional intruder hell-bent on making the city and the rest of the planet its own.” It’s an appropriately ambitious plot for a universe teeming with characters and scenes drawn from ‘80s anime and John Carpenter films, but expect Johnson to put his own spin on a familiar landscape.
No doubt all will be made clear when Ultra Violence drops on Oct. 9, but for now it’s best to explore the world he already sketched in “Betamax Torso” and Escape from ATL. From the mutant motorcycle gangs to arcade scuffles, 10th Letter continues to deliver the best kind of escapism.
10th Letter will perform on Tue., Oct. 16 at Aisle 5 alongside Milo & the Ruby Yacht House Band and Kenny Segal. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $13 in advance, $15 DOS. All ages.
More Info
Web: 10thlettermusic.com
Bandcamp: 10thletter.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @10thLetterMusic
SoundCloud: @10th-letter
Twitter: @10thxletter