Brandon Seabrook

Object Of Unknown Function

Pyroclastic Records, 2024

9/10

Listen to Object Of Unknown Function

The guitarist, banjoist and composer Brandon Seabrook fleshes out a highly iconoclastic listen, where layers of vintage instruments and cassette recordings make for a bizarre jazz-noise hybrid.

The title track begins with hypnotic banjo playing that’s hypnotic, cinematic and even jarring, and “Melodic Incidents For An Irrational World” follows with a quivering approach of hazy manipulation that unfolds with a sci-fi quality.

Further along, the rumbling and spirited “Perverted By Perseverance” comes with a distinct rhythm, while “Historical Importance Of Eccentricity” spotlights Seabrook’s hypnotic guitar playing amid a charming dreaminess.

Deeper still, the meticulous “Gondola Freak” is a melodic album highlight that swirls with imagination, and “The Snow Falling, Falling” exits with a chilling mood via the eloquent and mysterious instrumentation.

A highly curious effort that blends jazz, metal, classical, folk, and punk, Seabrook’s talents are varied and timeless for this really engaging body of work.

Travels well with: Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch; Ches Smith- Laugh Ash