John Silas - Water Sign (Incl. Patrice Scott Remix) [Love Injection Records]

Format: 12" in printed sleeve.
CAT: IR-012V

Astrologically, water signs are said to be characterized by their intuition, sensitivity, and emotional depth. The work of John Silas is naturally imbued with these qualities. Comprising four original tracks (alongside two additional mixes), the debut EP from the producer and instrumentalist, Water Sign, is largely attuned to the joy of dancing. Yet, these compositions also veer into moments of quieter introspection, evoking a kind of personal chronicle.

For John, who has lived more than his share of nomadic motion, propelled by periods of meditative creativity, the record is a reflection of his lived experience: a journey that synthesizes influences ranging from childhood episodes of Soul Train, teenage hip-hop sample digging, his training with the MPC2000XL, collaborations with extended family in the Detroit dance music community, his time as a record store clerk, and his current “citizenship” in the planet of new Brooklyn.

It is also an approach entirely in line with the spirit of Love Injection Records, a label that has long championed sounds spanning a broad, visceral spectrum.

The heart of Water Sign, “Boundaries,” exquisitely represents John’s ability to connect with this emotional wellspring. It begins with a four-chord piano phrase over a steady 4/4 kick and wonderfully nervous hi-hats, and gradually builds —adding bass, vocal snippets, and claps— until it reaches an exalted synth solo reminiscent of disco architect Patrick Adams.

But rather than lingering in that euphoria, midway through the track, John modulates the rhythm, melody, and sonic palette —shifting to electric piano, percussion, and whistles— into something more undefined, what he calls “shades of vulnerability.” The musical arrangement mirrors the dynamic of falling in and out of love, and ultimately healing.

“It was a personal letter to myself for closure,” he says of the track’s intent. “Facing reality. There’s nothing to hold onto, you have to let go. A reminder that it's all going to be okay, breathe, recenter, take care of yourself.”

“Cyber Dreams,” on the other hand, delves into exuberant escapism. Riding on waves of keyboards and Dominica Fosati’s passionate flute, it pauses to consider the wisdom of a sampled spoken word voice that poses: “To discover or not discover, that is the question.” Then, after building in intensity and volume, it returns to a state of ambient calm.

Detroit veteran DJ/producer Patrice Scott lends his unmistakable Motor City touch to his remix of the track, injecting a more forceful energy over the original pulse. Musically inspired by one of John’s heroes, beloved producer Paul Johnson, “Foster Child” reinterprets a shared sample with the Chicago legend in a moment of exuberance and recognition.

“Nasty” is simply what its name describes: a contagious, brief jam, with an improvised session feel, featuring Marquinn Mason’s powerful saxophone.

And while the soul of these recordings reveals John’s trust in organic moments over overanalysis, he remains characteristically modest about his own process: “Honestly it surprises me that others enjoy my music because my intentions in creating are exploratory, connecting with that spiritual dimension that transcends time. It’s a boundless sea of information. I yearn to be a fish. Slowly I am growing gills.”

Water Sign is an exciting stage in that evolution.