Bastard Ideals
Spiritual Slop, 2023
9/10
A long running sideman, the bassist Eric Nachtrab is front and center here, where David Dunham, Galen Bundy and Sean Perlmutter are along for this very exploratory and adventurous version of modern jazz.
“Ask Questions” begins the listen with Nachtrab’s flowing bass alongside Dunham’s playful guitar playing and strong attention to atmosphere, and “Blemish” follows with a distinct intimacy that unfolds across 15+ minutes of dreamy tones that benefit from Bundy’s glowing synth.
“ADHD” occupies the middle spot, and highlights Perlmutter’s agile drumming acrobatics with more emphasis on rock ideas, while “Everywhere But Here” radiates a unique warmth thanks to the unpredictable guitar and charming keys.
“Unraveling” and “Song For Alyson” exit the listen, where the former emits a chilling cinematic quality thanks to the waves of synth and strategic drumming, and the latter is a cozy jazz display of pretty, rhythmic and dynamic musicianship.
An outstanding debut as leader, Nachtrab and company flirt with New Wave, prog-rock, post-rock and improv nods, where each song here finds its own unique place to reside, and it’s as original as it is memorable.
Travels well with: Dennis Mitcheltree- Nevermind The Circus; Blue Muse- It Never Entered My Mind