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Progressive Review: J Ribbon - Lifetime out on Anjunabeats

 


J Ribbon releases his highly anticipated single 'Lifetime’, out now on Anjunabeats.

Progressive house producer Johnny Paul Newman signed to Pete Tong’s renowned label FFRR Records when he was just 15. Now releasing under his new alias J Ribbon, the 20-year old is already making waves in the Ibiza club circuit as a Hï Ibiza resident DJ. Johnny is also one half of dance duo Rathbone Place, whose 2021 single 'Be Free' saw support from Mark Knight, Jax Jones, Sigala, Bakermat and Martin Garrix, as well as BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong, Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Arielle Free and more.


Last year, J Ribbon made his Anjunabeats debut with 'My Habitat' as part of our Rising EP series, which saw spins from Adriatique, KREAM, Sam Divine, Don Diablo, Einmusik, Paco Osuna and beyond. He followed that up with his thumping double-A side 'Palm / 808s', which earned support from the likes of Sander van Doorn, Marsh, Will Sea, Fatum and BOg. 

The emerging talent rounded off last summer with a show at Ushuaïa opening for Armin van Buuren and D.O.D, and later dropped his progressive double A-side ‘Lens / Thalassophobia’. Road-tested extensively by Above & Beyond at multiple shows worldwide, including their Group Therapy 600 Deep Warm Up Set in Mexico City, 'Thalassophobia' also saw spins from Sebastian Ingrosso, Salvatore Ganacci, Kevin de Vries, Guy Mantzur, Argy and more.

J Ribbon debuted his latest floorfiller 'Lifetime' in his stellar Anjunakitchen set last December. The track soon became a highly sought-after ID, with the burgeoning artist also spinning the track at our Lost In Light Show in Shoreditch, as well as our recent Anjuna takeover at Fabric. 


J Ribbon ‘Lifetime’ is out now on Anjunabeats.

Release Date: 9 May 2025





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]J Ribbon - Lifetime [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] J Ribbon is an artist who masterfully intertwines the echoes of the past with futuristic sonic landscapes. His progressive house single, Lifetime, is a testament to this ability, clocking in at an energetic 126 BPM. The track opens with pulsating basslines that are meticulously crafted through sidechain compression techniques, ensuring they sit prominently in the mix without overpowering other elements. This is complemented by thumping kicks, achieved through layered samples and subtle transient shaping to add punch and clarity. The drum patterns are built around crunchy, high-frequency percussion that benefits from dynamic EQ adjustments and parallel compression, adding both grit and presence. The superb piano chord progression, a hallmark of progressive house, is constructed with lush voicings and subtle reverb tails, providing an expansive, atmospheric backdrop. A standout feature is the first breakdown, where the fantastic female vocal takes center stage. The vocal is treated with intricate processing — including reverb for spatial depth, delay for rhythmic interaction, and EQ sculpting to enhance clarity and warmth. This vocal guides the listener through to the main epic breakdown, layered with intricate piano melodies, expressive guitar riffs captured with ambient miking techniques, and complex percussion arrangements. The percussion utilizes both organic samples and synthesized elements, blended seamlessly through meticulous mixing. The slow build-up towards the "hands in the air" climax employs rising white noise sweeps, pitch modulation, and filter automation, techniques that incrementally increase tension and anticipation. This climax is a fusion of uplifting synths, designed with wide stereo imaging and harmonic layering, and bittersweet progressive elements that evoke both melancholy and euphoria. Lifetime is a striking example of how technical precision and creative artistry can merge to produce a track that resonates emotionally and energizes dance floors. Its meticulous production processes and advanced sound design techniques make it a standout piece, destined for mainstage prominence. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]





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