Big Party
GroundUP, 2024
8/10
A groove friendly and improvised outfit spearheaded by Henry Hey, the 8 tracks from Forq span disco moments, soulful jazz and plenty of unpredictable ideas.
The animated beats and funky bass work of
”Into The Bright” starts the listen with much energy and lively keys from Hey, and “Bomp” follows with playful buzzing and firm drumming that can sound like a video game soundtrack, too.
“Dirt Cake” and “The Grotto” land in the middle. The former uses distinct guitar for hazy tone that’s packed with grooves, while the latter carries a hint of dreaminess amid the soulful qualities of the album’s best.
Residing near the end, “The Grotto” is a calm moment of sublime beauty that’s introspective, and “Va!” exits with wordless vocals and a quirky rhythm.
A record that’s as creative as it is memorable, Hey and company pen a ‘late night musical journey’ that’s got an irresistible personality but can also lend itself to mulling things over.
Travels well with: David Murray Quartet- Francesca; Jihye Lee Orchestra- Infinite Connections