Økse
Økse
Backwoodz Recordz (2024)
Økse is a gathering of brilliant, creative minds. The project's roster is pristine, with avant-jazz phenoms Mette Rasmussen on saxophone, Savannah Harris on drums, and Petter Eldh on bass/synths/samplers joining electronic artist and multidisciplinery extraordinaire Val Jeanty (of the fantastic Turning Jewels Into Water project.) The result is a multi-faceted work that stands on top of multiple sonic pillars, as rappers occasionally join the quartet's journeys through different moods, spaces, and settings. They begin by exploring the sentimental territory, as "Skopje" opens up the proceedings in a smooth jazz manner. The saxophone there is moving, crafting a chamber-like ambiance. The scenery aptly shifts, as the electronica mesh arrives in waves and the conscious rap of E L U C I D takes over. It still retains its smooth tonality, the rougher edges dialed down, reaching the introspective end goal. They explore a similar methodology with "Amager," albeit there is a more determined and direct approach this time, highlighted through billy woods's fantastic delivery, swapping out the mesmerizing salon for an urban and mysterious alleyway. "The Dive" carries down the same path, here the in-your-face motif, while present at the start, turning toward a hypnotic R&B-style through the guidance of maassai. … Read more
Night Court
$hit Machine
Recess (2024)
Forget all the stereotypes about punk. Night Court are a punk band, but they aren’t nihilistic or aggressive. Instead, they’re … Read more
