Dichotomy
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
A highly creative version of jazz from Berlin, Skyline Sun uses many ideas thanks to inspiration from hip-hop, R&B, soul, and dance music, where the mover and shaker Jarrah Dhyan makes for 8 very distinct selections.
“The Narrative Changes” leads with Paul Hoyle Gutierrez’s fluid bass and David Guy’s thumping drums that make for a rock fueled template that’s stylish, and “Change” follows with Dhyan handling guitar, bass, keyboards and synths amid hip-hop influences.
The halfway point brings us “Sakarun”, where Davide Incorvaia’s playful keys add much to the rhythmic climate, while “You Are Your Only Foe” places Dylan Greene’s behind the drum kit, as Dhyan mesmerizes us with his smooth voice and spirited guitar lines.
“Compliant” and “Compliance” exit the listen. The former is acoustic guitar focused and dreamy, and the latter showcases Bernhard Ludescher’s keys amid restraint and richness from the rhythm section and precise guitar.
A technical body of work that dissects Western capitalist society, there’s plenty of grooves, rhythm and experimental ideas to absorb via these nu-jazz meets neo-soul gestures.
Travels well with: Unleashed Cooperation- Trust; Daan Herweg- In Search Of The Lost Chord