This is potentially one of the most challenging and narrow-mark etability albums of the year. It’s instrumental jazz but with experimental spice that leans towards a more mysterious darker edge with a rusty core. The Canadian trio teased us with the Kenny-G-enius piano jazz masterpiece (yes I will call it that) of “Confessions” earlier in the year and it made us want more. So released in May, is their full length third album imaginatively titled “III (three)". They are not known for their creative titles I must add, their first two albums were called “Badbadnotgood 1” and “Badbadnotgood 2” like an automatic labelling system on a generic Media player. Opener “Triangle” is an under whelming introduction, which would be more suited for a middle position but it’s still pleasant sophisticated dinner accompaniment.

 

Things however get more interesting on “Can’t Leave The Night” which begins structurally haunting, reminiscent of a crime reconstruction documentary. High-hat drums are added and it’s builds to a powerful climax. “Since You Asked Kindly” is the most interesting track in its quirky Hot-Chip construction and is the most likely to warrant radio airplay, even if it’s on an obscure weekend show.“Kaleidoscope” is more upbeat, roller coaster-tempo, occasionally dysfunctional and heavily reliant on cymbals. “Eyes Closed” builds dramatically sounding to envision a cat-and-mouse movie chase before concluding softly in surrender. “Hedron” illustrates the hiphop side to their percussion whilst “Differently Still” lets the piano do the talking.

 

The album can sometimes wane on the repetitive even it’s 9-track edit but its purpose is not for focal listening but to be a shape-shifting globe of ideas as a whole to inspire the listener to non-conform and to think outside the box.

 

In summary it’s GoodGoodGoodGood. MTH