That Was Now

Released in March 2023, That Was Now represents a significant maturation in Just Jack's (Jack Allsopp) discography. Moving away from the more overt hip-hop influences and chart-aimed production of his mid-2000s peak, this album leans heavily into a 'bedroom pop' aesthetic for the modern adult. The record is characterized by its observational lyrical style, a hallmark of Allsopp's work, but here the focus shifts from the nightlife and urban grit of his youth toward domesticity, fatherhood, and the existential hum of the digital age. Tracks like 'Wasp in a Coke Can' and 'Android's Lament' showcase his ability to turn simple metaphors into poignant social commentary. Musically, the album favors a 'less is more' approach, utilizing sparse percussion and warm analog synths to create a bed for his signature deadpan delivery. It stands as a testament to the artist's longevity, successfully pivoting from a 'pop-star' context to a respected independent singer-songwriter role.