For You

Album review

After releasing several of 2019's giddiest, most ecstatic club tracks, including "DNT STP MY LV" and "WARPER," India Jordan made a personal breakthrough with 2020's For You EP. Released shortly after the artist came out as non-binary, the EP's title is a self-dedication, and the six tracks are a celebration of their life's progression up to this point. The EP is led by "I'm Waiting (Just 4 U)," a glorious, glittery disco-house gem that places an unforgettable sample front and center, and sounds just as exuberant as any late-'90s French touch anthem. "For You" begins with thumb pianos and Orbital-esque melodies, then slides in a filtered vocal sample stating "this song's for you," blending sunny '80s electro-funk with hyped-up house. With the obvious floor-fillers placed at the front, the EP ventures into different styles for its remainder. "Emotional Melodical" has a cascading flow of lush, vibrant melodies over syncopated IDM-garage beats. The final three tracks channel some of Jordan's formative influences into something fresh and unique, particularly drawing from the energy of rave and happy hardcore but without the cheesy melodies or cartoonish vocals, as well as the subtle complexities of atmospheric drum'n'bass. "Dear Nan King" is the clearest example of this, with insistent kicks and claps, choppy breakbeats, and uplifting chords joined by the spirited sample "she's just everything to me." The music unmistakably sounds like it was born from a deep personal connection with club culture, making the EP a testament to the undying power of a lifelong engagement with dance music.
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