Emissary
Endectomorph, 2026
9/10
The Australian native James Wengrow is joined by Mathias Højgaard Jensen and James Paul Nadien, i.e the Crypsis Trio, for an exploratory 8 tracks.
“Jacket Barter” starts the listen with strong attention to atmosphere, where the drumming acrobatics and dreamy guitar align with dense bass via a distinct haze, and “Aflame Inside In Public” follows with frisky drumming and angular playing from Wengrow that flirts with math-rock.
Halfway through, “Cropsey Cabin” is a highly technical and dynamic album highlight that allows for Nadien’s unparalleled drums to shine, while “Arborealpolitik” emits meticulous bass playing from Jensen in the fusion, jazz-rock fueled delivery.
Residing near the end, “Deadline Junky” builds into a hectic and animated blur of avant-garde rock gestures that’s finished up with Jensen’s quick bass, and “Emissary” exits with 9+ minutes of softer moments that are melodic, introspective and memorable.
A diverse outing that enlists polyrhythmic grooves, unpredictable mathy time signatures and a very distinct take on modern guitar jazz, Wengrow and company don’t occupy any specific category, and we’re all better off for that.
Travels well with: Kevin Sun- lofi at lowlands; Nick Joz- Hieroglyph & Stuttering