Jaga Jazzist -- Pyramid: Review

Jaga Jazzist -- Pyramid

[Brainfeeder]

Emblematic Norweigan fusion band Jaga Jazzist returns on Pyramid with another immersive, psychedelic journey into the emcompassing world of Nu Jazz. Hailing from Tonsberg, Norway, Jaga Jazzist has always been an ensemble of musicians offering fusion jazz since 1994, hitting their first bit of pseudo-stardom in 2002 when their sophomore effort A Livingroom Hush was reward Jazz Album of the Year from the BBC.

Their eccentric style fuses psychedelics elements from all eras, taking as much from fusion legends like Chick Corea and Casiopea to prog pioneers like Robert Fripp and Peter Gabriel. Their several minute compositions shift like stages in a movie, lining sonic landscapes with atmospheric synths and twangy guitars to building moving picture in the listener’s brain. Their unique tone paired with their commitment to this video game-esque tone is what has Jaga stand out over time.

With Pyramid, Jaga Jazzist makes the grade again with another immersive record wrapped into a tight 4-song tracklist. Pyramid is their first record since 2015 and their first record with Flying Lotus's independent label Brainfeeder. Even in its 40 minute runtime, the band makes it flow together so well. Even in listening to this, I always listened to it in full, always getting so lost in it and never once thinking of turning it off until the last track ends.

The colossal opener “Tomita” shines as the most dynamic track on the record. Because it is the cold open for the listeners, Jaga builds up the energy gradually in the first half of this track, teasing saxophones and guitars, whetting the taste of the audience. In the second half, this charging syncopated riff is plucked by several of the guitars, building tension and exploding in the climax of the track.

The following track “Spiral Era” provides the grooviest rhythm on the tracklist with these swaying syncopated drums. The song marches on with increasing intensity as horns and keys build the mood and gooey synths illustrate the mystical nature of the song. “The Shrine” is a tom-heavy charge into the unknown with this earworm piano line that leads the song into its deeper more improv parts. This triumphant horn and synth line fills the listener with excitement as it grows more and more elaborate.

The aptly titled closer “Apex” closes out the record with a bang. Its synthwave arpeggios and pseudo techno drum beat make it feel the like the climactic backing track to the boss battle in a fantasy game. Even in this record, so jam-packed with buttery tension and explosive climaxes, “Apex” is a glorious closer that brings the whole journey to an exciting end.

Jaga Jazzist’s Pyramid is an enjoyable jazz fusion journey that fits nicely in the band’s robust discography and the playlist of any listener with a knack for imaginative listening.

RIYL: Snarky Puppy, Weather Report, Return To Forever Listen To: “Apex”