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.
But, Økse's palette is even richer, first showcased in the transitions within the jazz sound. The switch from the laid-back vibe of the first part of "Skopje" to its latter half is substantial, as saxophone and electronica merge into a frenzy, still retaining the sentimental quality that made the track so enticing. In addition, the breakbeat alterations in "Three Headed Axe" build the perfect foundation where the drums, bass, and saxophone can thrive. This is generally the key for Økse, their ability to balance between these distinct worlds, either in letting them take turns or simply keeping both in equal stature. The start of "Fragrance" highlights this equilibrium, the jazz motifs of rhythm and repetition being projected through an electronica lens, before going simultaneously mental in the second part. Similarly, the introduction of the tribal aspect in "Kdance92" where Cavalier's fierce vocal performance creates a fantastic groove and shines a spotlight on Økse's ability to accommodate these diverse elements without losing the plot.
It also shows their ability to traverse from one moment to the next, not solely in terms of style, but also mood. "Amar Økse" sees this moody demeanor rise, the warm atmosphere settling in and slowly transforming through free-jazz pathways, reaching an erratic sense through the drumming and saxophone, while the bass and electronica still cling on to the fleeting earlier emotion. It is things like this that make Økse's debut stand out so much.
