Jason Kao Hwang

Myths Of Origin

True Sound, 2025

10/10

Listen to Myths Of Origin

The prolific and accomplished violinist and composer Jason Kao Hwang leads us through improvising for string orchestra and drumset, where 9 tracks were captured at the Vision Festival at Roulette in New York City on June 25, 2022.

“The Collapse Of Gravity” opens with Andrew Drury’s thumping drums and the many ambient strings that interact with tension, and “Spin Fast And Burn” follows with a rock template that benefits from the intricate guitars and busy strings.

In the middle, “Dust Gathers Around The Sleep” carries a distinct cinematic appeal of adventurousness and beauty, while “Landmarks Vanish” uses the cellos strategically amid Ken Filano’s skilled bass via the squealing sounds.

Residing close to the end, “Ancestors Of Light” radiates softness alongside the hazy mood, and “Never Forgotten” exits with the violins, violas and cellos working together with profound meticulousness for a stunning end.

The sound quality here is incredible, and rarely seems live, as Hwang’s vision embraces jazz, funk and world music into an orchestral, Big Band masterpiece.

Travels well with: Jason Kao Hwang- Uncharted; Jason Kao Hwang- Soliloquies, Unaccompanied Pizzicato Violin Improvisations

René Lussier/Robbie Kuster

Fiat Lux

Circum Disc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fiat Lux

The multi-instrumentalist René Lussier is joined by the drummer Robbie Kuster for these both improvised and composed pieces that recruit many different sounds and ideas.

The warm and atypical spirit of “JUMEAUX” opens with emphasis on vocals for a quick intro, and the many grooves of “Troc” follows with Lussier’s melodic guitar and Kuster’s frisky drums entering rock territory.

Further along, “Bidou” brings an avant-garde mood to the dense guitar and thumping drums, while “Figure” recruits unconventional rhythm to the jagged, 54 second bout.

The title track lands deeper into the listen and is strong on atmosphere with dizzying percussion and a meticulous blend of space and tension, and “Biscuit- La Feuille D’erable” exits with wordless vocals, furious drumming and the sort of guitar shredding that could fill stadiums.

The subtle but effective use of daxophone, musical saw and nail organ add even more allure, as the duo explore rock from an iconoclastic viewpoint that’s nothing short of captivating.

Travels well with: Barbara Dang & Muzzix- Michael Pisaro-Liu- Tombstones II; Manoeuvres Sentimentales- Delightfully Deceitful

Kaze & Koichi Makigami

Shishiodoshi

Circum Disc/Libra, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shishiodoshi

The international quartet Kaze are aligned with the singer Koichi Makigami for these 3 unpredictable and adventurous jazz selections.

“Make A Change” starts with a dense spontaneity, where Natsuki’s bright trumpet and Peter Orins’ playful drumming add much intrigue to the 25 minutes. Makigami’s vocal acrobatics are quite fascinating, too.

The title track follows with some initial tinkering that takes many minutes to build into thick keys via Satoko Fujii and rich trumpet thanks to Christian Pruvost, but when the vocal layering enters the tune really draws us in.

The last track, “Inspiration 2”, might be the shortest at just 16+ minutes, but it’s equally atypical, where sci-fi like noises and vocal gestures enter and it exits with dense piano, wild brass and plenty of rumbling.

A really fun listen that’s quirky and full of creative improvisation, the quartet’s chemistry is fascinating, and Makigami’s vocal techniques are unparalleled.

Travels well with: Ize Trio- The Global Suites; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream

Relic Kings

Blinded By The Sun

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Blinded By The Sun

A Canadian outfit who had a strong 2018 with some impressive awards, international touring and opening for high profile bands, this 3rd album from Relic Kings finds the quartet flourishing further with their eclectic and creative rock formula.

The title track starts the listen and wastes no time diving right into a warm, timeless meshing of soaring vocals, crisp instrumentation and pretty textures, and “Hypnotize” follows with muscular guitar riffs in a louder setting of tense rock.

Elsewhere, “Leading Me Astray” offers a charged and rhythmic affair of precise sounds, while “Stay Tonight” shifts gears into piano balladry with much elegance.

Deeper cuts bring us the thundering sounds of “Feeling Good”, that are hypnotic and crunchy in all the best ways, and “Push Me” recruits some metallic nods in a thicker, powerful atmosphere. “Are You Ready” ends the listen on a high note, with an ‘80s hard rock approach that puts the exclamation point on the strength of this record.

Canada has never been short on fantastic rock bands, and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Relic Kings are one day spoken in the same sentence as The Tragically Hip or The Weakerthans, cause Blinded By The Sun is a superbly skilled listen that hints at even better things to come.

Travels well with: The Trews- Civilianaires; Arkells- Morning Report