CategoryReviews

Lonker See’s “Hamza” shows an entirely new side of the band – yet one that’s entirely consistent with their earlier work. In turn, while the meeting of three musicians from Bydgoszcz is no less surprising, the result is completely different to what they’ve been doing so far.

On Survival Kit, the ensemble led by Szymon Gąsiorek, one of the most interesting young composers of the moment, presents an attractive follow-up to ideas from their debut album. It is a tumultuous, complex story that utilizes a number of intriguing solutions.

Underground music skilfully takes apart the image of a sweet pop girl posturing in music videos. And not just that: it also sends a clear signal to all members of society who face discrimination because of their sex, origin or sexual orientation.

Koma Saxo and E/I are pushing the boundaries of jazz, going beyond the traditional understanding of the genre – and bringing some fresh air to the European scene.

“Processions” is a contemplative journey through folk music, a lesson in deep and close listening. Because you do have to listen closely to it, capture the sounds, their details, try to discern all the hidden layers. It’s an invitation to deep listening: this is escapist music, you have to let it play out, catch your ear in a trance

Last weeks saw the release of two records that may serve as a brilliant example here. Llovage is a peculiar amalgam of ideas and sounds, whose range of uses is as broad as that of the title herb, whereas Black Myths are all about reflecting the emotions, revolt and anger of the African American community through music.

Wojciech Rusin is a Renaissance man for the 21st century. This year alone, he has already released two albums showing his compositional genius and multi-layered inspirations.

Jaimie Branch follows the path marked out on her first album, but adds new horizons to the picture. Her sophomore work is a fascinating collection of vivid and spontaneous reactions to the surrounding reality: whether encountered in the rehearsal room, in a concert situation, or on the geopolitical scene.

Two brilliant records that combine the saxophone and drone music: Lea Bertucci generates reverberating pieces by playing in a huge grain elevator, while Julius Gabriel uses added effects to create his narcotic musical visions.

Ukryte Zalety Systemu and Trupa Trupa comment on the pre- and post-apocalypse reality. They reach for psychedelic rock and post-punk, but what really makes them stand out are their pertinent punchlines, delivered in a truly inimitable fashion.