What Is ~Nois
New Amsterdam, 2026
9/10
The Chicago saxophone quartet ~Nois use classical music and improvisation to their advantage for these 4 adventurous tracks.
“Sun Thrower”, by Darian Donovan Thomas, opens with Julian Velasco’s rich soprano sax and EWI that complements János Csontos’ distinct bari sax playing in the reflective mood, and “alternate endings.” follows with a firm presence via Ross D. Hamilton’s pounding drums and Aeryn Jade Santillan’s distinct voice and bass guitar that suits the layered saxes of the Santillan original.
On the back half, Francisco del Pino’s ”Invisible” blends Nick Zoulek’s alto sax and Jordan Lulloff’s tenor sax into both minimal and busier textures of beauty that mesh the 4 saxes sublimely and with a distinct artistic appeal amid Francisco del Pino’s guitar.
The last track is Travis Laplante’s “Running In A Field Of Flowers”, where just the saxophones are present for 3 segments that radiate mystery, sublimeness and gentle waves of introspection.
A truly diverse setting that explores what the wind is capable of, ~Nois are adaptable enough to soundtrack ambient dance floors, searing post-punk clubs, retro guitar rock with these highly memorable pieces.
Travels well with: Dorian Wood- Canto de Todes; Adam Tendler- Inheritances
