Some Assembly Required
Odd Pop, 2020
9/10
Listen to Some Assembly Required
A mixed chamber ensemble from Boston comprised of Justin Stanley, Justin Croushore and Cholong Park, Some Assembly Required bring us 4 commissioned pieces and their own arrangement of an Astor Piazzolla piece on this very well executed debut album.
“Salt Veins”, by Tyler Kline, starts the listen with warm, soulful brass from Stanley and Croushore, as Park’s rumbling keys add much to the precise climate, and “Formally Unannounced” follows with acrobatic keys alongside playful trombone that’s both energetic and calm, as the trio illuminate Benjamin D. Whiting’s vision.
The middle tracks make great use of some guests, where “Machinations I” recruits Wolcott Humphrey’s fluid clarinet, which adds even more diversity to the cinematic and flowing atmosphere, while Adam Schumaker’s “Click Here” adds vocals, Andrea C. Baker’s bassoon and Humphrey’s clarinet to the album highlight that displays charming orchestral, chamber, classical and jazz nods.
The final track, “Four Seasons Of Buenos Aires”, unfolds across 4 movements, where “Summer” marches firmly with bright horns and low keys, and “Winter” exits emotively, sublimely and with no shortage of timeless, cozy song craft.
An extremely eclectic and meticulous first record, Some Assembly Required are known for their exciting and enthralling live show, and here they capture that chemistry well with flawless interaction between the players.
Travels well with: Slide Attack- Road Trip; David Larsen- The Mulligan Chronicles