Record Reviews

FLASH! ~ BUJAKA W GUMIAKACH HEVHETIA 0211 (Barcode: 8588005258944) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the second album by Polish trio The Flash!Find albums by this artist, founded by saxophonist / composer Slawomir PezdaFind albums by this artist with bassist Jakub DworakFind albums by this artist and drummer Maksymilian OlszewskiFind albums by this artist. On this album they are joined by Boston based guitarist Dustin CarlsonFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven pieces, six of which were composed by Pezda and one is by the American duo Lightning BoltFind albums by this artist. The music is a further exploration of the concepts described in my review of the debut album "SilaFind albums with this title" and manages to produce a completely original "wall of sound" Punk Jazz, which is as much controversial as it is fascinating. It is difficult to decide if the musicians are mocking contemporary Pop, Rock, and even Jazz in its ridiculous crudeness and oversimplification, or they are just pissed off and want to relieve some bad vibes, but the overwhelming effect is certainly achieved. Of course it is plainly obvious that these guys are brilliant musicians, no kidding there. To make things clear everything here is perfectly planned and executed with the attention to the minute details, so obviously nothing was left to chance. The sheer audacity and the amount of ideas are simply staggering. In any case any attempt do describe this music in words is simply futile and nothing will replace the exposure to the actual aural content. The attitude brings fond memories of the early experiments of Polish Yass movement, when quite a few of such original creations were produced, but on today´s Polish music scene The Flash! are sadly almost completely lonesome. It is remarkable to see (or rather hear) how well Carlson fits within this madness; he is truly a spiritual kin to the members of the trio and manages to complete and expand the diversity of the sound without changing the basic attitude and direction, which is truly amazing. Obviously not for everyone, but personally I love this music to bits, every second of it. The Rock genes in my musical personality are vibrating happily and my Zappaesque aesthetics of "don´t care what you think" are fully satisfied! This is brilliant stuff!

Updated: 07/11/2020Posted: 07/11/2020

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