A Brand New State
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The bassist and composer Alex McLaughlin is in the company of Jeremy Siskind, Tina Raymond and Jeremy Pelt for these 8 modern originals.
The cautious bass opens with “Desert Chapel”, as Jeremy Siskind’s warm piano enters the strong attention to mood, and “Trailhead” follows with rumbling keys and Pelt’s animated trumpet for the stylish jazz climate.
At the halfway point, “The Solar Punks” offers a rhythmic moment populated by playful bass plucking and soulful brass, while “Lily” is an initially bare moment of intimacy that finds soft gestures amid the rich keys and Raymond’s agile drumming.
“Trial” and “Elevation” exit the listen. The former is reflective, melodic and alone is worth the price of admission, and the latter comes with a more rock focused appeal that’s dynamic and mesmerizing.
A record that feels like a live performance, McLaughlin and his crew bring style, adventurousness and edginess to timeless jazz.
Travels well with: Eric Bell- Vulnerability; Matt Booth- Sun Prints