Theory Of Everything
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to Theory Of Everything
The sophomore album from SHIJIN, their unconventional take on jazz is just as exciting here as 2018’s self-titled effort, where Laurent David, Stéphane Galland, Stéphane Guillaume and Malcom Braff developed the 8 tracks initially as duets before being completed by the rest of the band, and includes both acoustic and electric elements.
“Mystery Of A White Dwarf” starts the listen with Galland’s swift, playful percussion as Guillaume’s soulful sax takes focus on the fusion jazz setting that also benefits from Braff’s keys, and “Unexpected Discovery” follows with a very unique mashing of furious drumming alongside cautious and bright sax, strategic flute, and even electronics.
At the halfway point, “Implosion” swirls with dynamic and adventurous musicianship that’s full of David’s bass acrobatics and well timed synth stabs, while “Time Travel” flows with much elegance and warmth as it builds into a busy and atypical climate where bass clarinet and some of the best sax playing resides.
Approaching the end, “Separating Circle” showcases fascinating, absorbing drumming for nearly 2 minutes before brass and bass enter the lively atmosphere, and “Curved Wrinkles” exits the listen with all members taking their turn in the spotlight amid the innovative song craft.
An outfit where all the members have had successful solo careers, SHIJIN is a supergroup of the highest degree, and their complicated yet easily digestible version of jazz nearly puts them in a genre entirely their own.
Travels well with: Sonic Twist- Unity; Judy Stuart- The Apostolic Session