PYMLICO – No More, No Less

RELEASE YEAR: 2026
BAND URL: https://pymlicomusic.bandcamp.com/

The classy Norwegian outfit Pymlico never fail to stir the senses and tick all the right jazz prog boxes whenever they gift us with new music, and the upcoming album titled No More, No Less is a perfect example of how to bring inspired and forward-thinking sounds to life in a sophisticated yet powerful manner. I mentioned the term “jazz prog” before, which seems the most apt way of summing up what these gentlemen dabble in whenever they get together and jam, but the cool thing is that their particular brand of exploratory musical maneuvers feels a little more widescreen and diverse compared to many other acts who usually fall within the same category.

Given that it was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs or trickery added, which is to say that this is probably the most organic and unfiltered version of Pymlico you will ever encounter, the six pieces on the disc present a less polished and more vibrant version of the group’s unique sonic world than what we are accustomed to. More power to the seven-man line-up for that. The record is a joyous 39 minutes of profoundly creative music with a ruminative spirit coursing through it, and the impact of songs such as the playful eight-minute “Second Rate Punk,” the warm, uplifting “Lucy Does Not Approve,” and the semi-funky “Little Nellie / Ghost People” is both satisfying and lasting.

Rich in dynamics and overflowing with delightful melodies, the LP is simply an engrossing proposition that shows a different side to a superb band. Expressive, rousing stuff with a shimmering aura of melancholy to it that comes highly recommended for fans of instrumental prog rock.