Crux — Owen Pratt

Crux is the latest released by Soft Riot, the singular synth project by Glasgow-based Canadian synth auteur Jack Duckworth (also known as JJD). Prolific in his steady stream of releases and frequent live performances, Crux follows up on the back of recent albums such as No. (2023) and When Push Comes To Shove (2019).

On the surface Crux is a continuation of Soft Riot‘s evolution — a singular and intriguing take on elements of classic synthesizer music that seems familiar on the surface, pulling in elements of synth pop, minimal wave, darkwave, new wave, italo, EBM and post-punk by an artist who has been active in many different guises of the ongoing “post-punk revival” since the eve of the turn of the millenium. With that much time involved in an over-arching sub-genre and seeing many trends and styles come and go, it has allowed the artist to fine-tune his craft with an emphasis on creating a unique sound.

Starting with the angular and driving rhythmic workout of “Moving Out Of The Black” and closing with the expansive and layered “Ghostwriter” that could end up on any given number of dancefloors, as mentioned before the tracks came about naturally based on intuition. Five tracks in we have the sinister yet sensual “Getting To Know You” — a track the artist would say came about from a dream one night and a subconscious feeling. Some might better know this as "magic".

The vinyl LP version of Crux includes an exclusive CD with the album tracks as well as an extended EP called Alter, featuring alternate and extended version of select tracks from the Crux as well as an unreleased track from the Crux sessions. Alter itself attests to the artist’s viewpoint that from conception to conclusion, a piece of music created by someone has any given number of possibilities of where it can go. Alter will be released also as a standalone release in June 2026.

released May 15, 2026

SOFT RIOT is JJD : Voice, synthesizers, programming, effects and found sounds.

All tracks written and recorded in a number of intense block sessions between June 2024 and January 2026 at Studio Carillon, Glasgow UK.

Additional vocals in “Everything Sounds The Same” by Iv/An.

Vinyl tracks mixed with Owen Pratt at Shepardtone Studios, Tarn, France in November 2025.

Mastered by Josh Stevenson at Otic Mastering.

Artwork, handwriting, design, photo collages and layout by JJD as JJD Works (jjdinfo.com).

All music written by JJD (Jack Duckworth) under Sanctum Reigns Publishing (SOCAN).