Woove staff writer Miles Ellenberg reviews Jaga Jazzist's latest release, One-Armed Bandit. And what a review it is!

Future Jazz.  It’s hard to piece the two words together, but Jaga Jazzist has done exactly this in their latest, titled One-Armed Bandit.  Whether it’s about a slot machine or a handicapped thief is up for debate (until you look at the artwork), the album is completely instrumental and contains a wide range of sounds.  The Norwegian group has definitely brought out their progressive influences which are obvious on every single track.  In doing so, they still don’t leave behind any of their nu jazz sounds - electronics as well as a wide variety of horns, percussion, and strings are all present.  Jaga Jazzist has grown to be a modern orchestra.

After a short introduction track, The One-Armed Bandit’s opening song “One-Armed Bandit” sets the bar for the rest of the album with an instrumental masterpiece.  Driven by a thriving bass-line, the rest of the band slowly jumps on board, easing the listener into a complex musical arrangement without the slightest idea of how he/she got there.  Like the other songs on the album, you’ll find yourself picking out different parts each time you listen.  This isn’t a situation where everyone is soloing or trying to steal the spotlight; instead each instrument plays a vital role and supports the others.  One run through may sound like 3:4 timing, and another time it might sound like 5:8.  The truth is: it’s probably both.  Now this isn’t math-rock, but there are enough textures going on at once that each is able to escape the others while still contributing to the master plan.  Jazzist does an incredible job with repetition - not too much, but just enough to put the listener into a state of mental freedom. 

This album goes many places.  It features an array of different sounds and themes which vary between changes in the mood.  The fifth track, “Toccata”, serves as a midpoint.  Nine minutes long, it revolves around a hypnotic riff that sets the table for a mean group of horns that are used again in later tracks.  After making it this far in the album, the previous tracks won’t sound the same.  As if it weren’t already epic enough, the album continues to take different shapes, exploring different ideas with the introduction of new instruments and sounds along the entire way.

The album is a great listen from start to finish, but each track is equally enjoyable by itself.  Consider yourself warned, though – it won’t be easy to walk away after a quick listen; you will want to hear more.

Recommended if you like:

Elephant9 – Dodovoodoo

Battles – Mirrored