Written by Louis Pelingen
Since last year, JRRD has been in a constant process of finding himself in the music that he makes. He started things off with an alternative pop sheen on his debut album, ‘001,’ that might have the queer longing and well-structured melodies out the door, but his production flair is something to be desired. Sounding limitedly thin, dulling his musical capabilities for the most part. But five months after that project, he immediately found his calling through embracing hyperpop and electroclash soundscapes, a range of sonic aesthetics that he explores further through his next few records, such as ‘POP.MP3’ and ‘Yuck!’—piling upon as much enticing flash and passion as he possibly can through their brief runtimes.
He doesn’t completely stop his tracks, however, as he continues to push himself further in 2026 with an eye for sharpening his craft. Through his second single that he put out this year, ‘Thrill’ displays a level of refinement. JRRD’s affinity for detailed production is better emphasized, allowing their blubbery tones to carry more spark, and his vocal melodies capture the attraction interspersed in the lyrics, centered around being enticed by a romantic thrill that he keeps at a distance, letting that tension feel simultaneously thrilled and wary. It creates a balance of thinking realistically and thinking indulgently, an approach that may ask more questions than answers, but it lets things simmer down before heading off to decide if he should chase that affection.
While buffing his production does become a double-edged sword – the textures, while flashy, also end up sounding muddy in the mix – JRRD clearly gains more confidence and spark with this song. He carries more strengths that he can further embrace in the future. For now, JRRD languishes in his own thrills, one that’s alluring enough to experience long-term.
Support the art and the artist: