Thoughts.
Protomaterial, 2026
8/10
The Icelandic artist, Freysteinn, is joined by some excellent players for these 8 experimental and unpredictable jazz tracks.
“Thoughts” opens with Helgi R. Heiðarsson’s rich sax that aligns with precise bass from Freysteinn for the cautious yet frisky start, and “Pæling” follows with a meticulous setting, where Hilmar Jensson’s intricate electric guitar makes an impression.
Halfway through, “Building Blocks” blend the sax and bass with Óskar Kjartansson’s agile drumming for the textured album highlight, while “Ósköpuður” carries a distinct mood via Freysteinn’s dense bass and the timeless jazz appeal of the sax.
“Hefur Byrjum Alltaf Endi...” and “Hvað Ef?” exit the listen. The former embraces a fuller approach thanks to the animated drumming, and the latter benefits from the quartet’s inimitable chemistry that makes for a spontaneous and exciting finish.
An exploratory effort that’s not short on solos, feedback, distortion, and plenty of always relevant jazz nods, Freysteinn again intrigues us.