THE VERGE – The Verge

The latest release on the lovable Is It Jazz? Records is a proper tour de force in every conceivable way and a dizzying yet incredibly cohesive output that harbors a raw, authentic power unlike anything else that I have come across.  

This musically tasty and elegant yet highly explosive cocktail consisting of jazz rock and prog-flavored jazz, or jazz prog, if you will, is simply a riveting musical experience that neither runs out of steam at any point in time nor fails to bombard the listener with a seemingly infinite number of staggering riffs and wonderful arrangements that are ceaselessly interesting. Surprisingly heavy, crackling with infections energy, sporting brilliant musicianship, and summoning a life-affirming force that leaves me spellbound, these highly organic not to mention dynamic compositions display vast abilities and left-field imagination with respect to songwriting, and the entire disc is filled with twists and turns that totally make sense. The dark and compelling “Emils Låt/Postludium” is a brooding highlight and “Gratitude” is the most easily accessible and catchy entry along with opening track “Nessesse” and the playful “The Blast Supper” due to their superb melodies.

This self-titled offering is undoubtedly a stunning piece of work that fans of Third by Soft Machine should make a note of. Out of this world and a mandatory listen for the openminded prog fan.