With just two single releases under their belt to date, the Jakarta based trio Batavia Collective have made an instant splash on the music scene with their infectious brand of neo-jazz fuelled funk, finding a highly receptive audience in the process.

On their latest ‘BTCV’ EP, released on genre shifting Belgian label R&S Records, the collective return, this time coming heavy handed with four new instrumental pieces, each one brimming with mesmerising melodies and dramatic passages.

As on previous singles ‘Propulsion’ and ‘Affirmation’, Doni Joesran, Elfa Zulham and Kenny Gabriel continue to enthral with a level of musicianship and musical nuance that goes beyond words, as the seasoned players drill deep into the soul of the genre and peel off four stunning recordings with ease.

At pains to not be defined or pigeonholed, BTCV explain “we are often asked what kind of jazz this is. To tell you the truth we don’t know. We don’t even know if our music can be considered jazz or not. We create the music through jamming, and afterwards, we vote on certain compositions together,” say the collective. Who said modesty was dead!

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Cet article Batavia Collective – Interchanges [R&S Records] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

Yak, real name John Randall, is a Sheffield-based classically trained musician. He’s had a number of releases on respected labels such as R&S Records, 3024 and Black Beacon. However, it was his “Midi/Darunia” 12” on Version that really caught Phonica Records’ ears the most and got them to pursue him for the next release on their main imprint. The Gerudo EP is a 4 track affair with a percussive presence to be reckoned with. Our premiere today is the B2 and title track on the record, Gerudo.

It’s built around a loose and organic percussive groove with understated thumpy kicks. An arpeggiated melody and metallic synth stabs are the first semblance of machine intervention. Followed up by warm airy pads, the track then steadily builds up and transitions into an intoxicating euphoric piece that’s bound to close a few eyes on a late night dance floor. Gerudo beautifully balances itself, incorporating natural instrumentation and analog machines in a harmonious nature. Our only qualm is that we wish it were longer.

Be sure to check out the rest of the EP and particularly lend an ear to our other favourite on the release, the A2, Guevenne Groove. You can pre-order the record directly from the Phonica store.

Cet article Yak – Gerudo [Phonica Records] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.