Paris-based American artist Jordan Reyes has made a name for himself in experimental music circles, and now, his latest project, The Ark of Teeth, sees him embarking on a new sonic journey. The debut album, Untitled, arrives November 1 via Reyes’ own American Dreams label, available digitally, on vinyl, and in a striking film format shot on Super 8 and 16mm. Featuring contributions from luminaries like Lucy Liyou, Patrick Shiroishi, and Nick Zanca, Untitled promises an immersive dive into moody atmospheres and layered emotions.
The album’s latest preview comes in the form of “Kindness Suppressed,” a haunting opener that combines slow-burning tension with textured soundscapes. The accompanying music video echoes the track’s introspective energy, hinting at both the tenderness and cruelty Reyes seeks to explore. Known for his eclectic output across nearly fifty releases, Reyes has made an art of walking the fine line between beauty and darkness, whether under monikers like DJBLACKMETA or in collaborations with avant-garde mainstays such as ONO. His work is a unique blend of terror and compassion, pushing the boundaries of what experimental music can convey.
When asked about the themes behind Untitled, Reyes resists easy answers, his words hinting at regrets and missed opportunities. Yet, beneath the brooding reflection, there are glimpses of warmth—songs about love, fleeting promises, and the peculiarities that make human connections both enchanting and elusive. The album seems preoccupied with the ambiguity of human nature, wrestling with the paradox that cruelty can carry tenderness, and tenderness can sting like cruelty.
However, Reyes suggests that Untitled isn’t merely about people. “Mostly, it’s about wanting to be an octopus,” he says with characteristic obscurity. He also finds strange inspiration in the tragic story of Mary the Elephant, executed in 1916, an event that lingers in his mind as a symbol of life’s absurd injustices. Reyes, it seems, is haunted by the word “cruel,” a term he admits he wishes he could forget, yet one that anchors much of the album’s reflective tone.
Untitled promises to be more than just a collection of songs. With its eclectic collaborators, poetic musings, and visual accompaniments, the album stands as a testament to Reyes’ ability to weave together sound and emotion into a multifaceted artistic statement. Whether you’re drawn in by the eerie pull of “Kindness Suppressed” or curious to unravel the project’s deeper meanings, Untitled offers an exploration of humanity, animality, and the uncomfortable beauty that lies between.
