Transmit Slow
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The Canadian bass player Alex Lakusta (of Vissia) brings along Josh Smiley (keyboards, synth), Keagan Eskritt (drums, cymbals) and occasionally Brad Eaton (trumpet, effects) for a debut of originals that are quite diverse in their modern and flourishing delivery.
“Trick Shot” gets the listen off to a stylish start, where charming keys and light drumming help cultivate a hypnotic and timeless jazz approach that benefits much from bouncy bass, and “All Static/Frequency Lost” follows with much atmosphere that showcases moody synth alongside the cinematic climate.
In the middle, the swift and flowing “Limited Imitations” takes influence from hip-hop into the powerful landscape, while “Battery Brain” welcomes Eaton’s soulful and radiant trumpet into the thicker demeanor of buzzing melody.
Near to the end, Eaten is again on board for the playful and dynamic album highlight, “Flicker”, which flirts with electro-pop ideas, and “Transmit Slow” exits the listen with a more intimate appeal of dreamy song craft.
Certainly able to hold their own in the very active Canadian jazz scene, this first effort from Lakusta and company covers a wealth of influences from alt-rock to post-rock to electronica, and it’s all handled superbly.
Travels well with: The Jazz Professors- Blues And Cubes; Andy Adamson Quintet- A Coincidence Of Cats