Album Review: Popcorn

I’m always super stoked to review anything of JCK aka James Castady-Kristament because he’s an artist that definitely colours outside the lines, executes whatever vision he has in mind and is constantly pushing himself to create art that makes you think.

Popcorn is his latest offering after a long hiatus, yet it never feels JCK is ever far away, because since his musical conception in 2002, and up until 2018, what he creates has been so memorable, it really stays with you.

Popcorn is a pretty simplistic title and I really like that. When I think of popcorn, I think flavour, the perfect texture for most palates, crunchy yet melt in your mouth, and best served straight out of the microwave. JCK’s Popcorn really is all that. Ten tracks that immediately satiate the craving for all those things.

Starting off strong with Dirty and immediately it catches your attention. It’s a funky, techno, jazzy ensemble that sound so familiar yet really isn’t. Inspired by many genres in this era, JCK has a finesse for not over complicating sounds and it’s always fun to dive straight in blind. It’s like if Queen, Another One Bites The Dust had a mash up with Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor driving the ship and Electric Call Boy were the session band hired.

Now, I usually try not to pick favourites this early in, but next track, Porno Star is such a beat. If Bloodhound Gang ever reinvented themselves with some members of the Pitch Perfect movie, it would give you an idea of what Porno Star sounds like. It’s so much fun and creative. I still can’t believe that JCK is the musician who does it all, despite knowing this fact for many years. Brilliant.

I’ve also got to mention Stroke The Cat as an honourable mention, because it appears incredibly simple, but has so many layers that you really have to listen for. It doesn’t have the biggest hooks, but it’s interesting and fun lyrically, and again with those layers. It’s just a really cool song to vibe out to.

While I can understand an artist like JCK may not be everyone’s flavour (dark humour is not for everyone) he’s a flavour I acquired years ago and I really enjoy coming back to see what wares he’s peddling. It’s always super unique. Popcorn is a great comeback album for 2025 and absolutely worth checking out for yourself.