Record Reviews

BLOTO ~ GRZYBNIA ASTIGMANTIC 029 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Ambient Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the 4th album by Polish quartet BlotoFind albums by this artist, which comprises of keyboardist Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. LatarnikFind albums by this artist), saxophonist Olaf WegierFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. OlafSaxxFind albums by this artist), bassist Pawel StachowiakFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Wuja HZGFind albums by this artist) and drummer Marcin RakFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Cancer GFind albums by this artist). The quartet members are all also members of the EABSFind albums by this artist ensemble. The album presents nine tracks, with music not credited and assumed to be co-composed by the quartet members. Following an almost three years long gap between releases, the music of Bloto remains faithful to the ideas presented on their earlier output, which I already described in the review of their previous album, as follows: “the music is completely boundless and shuns classification like a snake avoids a grip. Anything goes, as long as it makes sense to these four musicians, which basically is how things should be anyway”. However, personally I find this music moving away from my personal musical taste, despite the fact that I still very much appreciate the talent and creativity of the four musicians. Somehow the charm is gone and the music mostly sounds chaotic, unfocused and cold. There are some great moments here and there, but as a whole this is probably not an album I’d return to any time soon. The tendency to move away from Jazz, almost as if provocatively, and the murky ambience just aren’t my thing anymore. Of course this is just my very personal outlook and this music might be absolutely delightful to others. But it is also possible Bloto need to find a new formula and introduce new elements in their music to make my heart melt again? They seem to be a bit stuck musically. The future will tell. Overall, this is more or less more of the same by this great quartet, which offers incredible potential, but somehow less restraint and focus. It is still an interesting listening experience, especially if it is the first time one listens to their music. Brokenheartedly, I look forward for the next album.

Updated: 09/12/2024Posted: 09/12/2024

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BLOTO ~ KWASY I ZASADY ASTIGMATIC 016 ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Polish quartet BlotoFind albums by this artist, which comprises of keyboardist Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. LatarnikFind albums by this artist), saxophonist Olaf WegierFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. OlafSaxxFind albums by this artist – new pseudonym), bassist Pawel StachowiakFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Wuja HZGFind albums by this artist) and drummer Marcin RakFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Cancer GFind albums by this artist). The quartet members are all also members of the EABSFind albums by this artist ensemble. The album presents eleven studio tracks, recorded in one day, with music not credited and assumed to be co-composed by the quartet members, offering a conscious Lo-Fi sound quality. Although seemingly a classic Jazz quartet, Bloto are anything but… their music is completely boundless and shuns classification like a snake avoids a grip. Anything goes, as long as it makes sense to these four musicians, which basically is how things should be anyway. Listening to the album is like taking a night ride with the car radio randomly changing stations every few minutes; Free Jazz, Bass & Drums, Techno, Drone, Jazz again, Punk, Yass; this trip is never over until the music stops. Does it make any sense? Oh well, as usual it depends whom do you ask. I love that shit, but I can understand many people my age seeking a shelter. It is all a question of attitude, I suppose. If the music swings, rocks, grooves or whatever, it is cool with me. Of course in the big scheme of things one has to ask oneself where is this all going? Or better yet, how many times you can get away with it, before the audiences will fall under another spell? This is the third album after all. Watch out guys, you have been warned! Find a freagin concept ;) Overall I like this music a lot, even if it makes sometimes an effort to offend – I have an elephant’s skin. I love the creativity and the talent, the “don’t give a damn” attitude and the youthful naiveté assuming that everything will be forgiven… oh well life is a bitch guys. But as long as you can get away with it, have fun and enjoy life, as it is shockingly short, believe you me… See ya

Updated: 22/06/2021Posted: 22/06/2021

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