TheEliteExtremophile
The debut EP from this Finnish musician is a mix of jazz and progressive rock where jazz is almost always the dominant element. Though the rock elements, particularly in the bass playing, help keep these instrumental pieces rooted.
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Art As Catharsis is proud to announce the release of Joona Samuel’s debut EP, The Act Of Disintegration – three tracks of lush cinematic jazz-fusion where both expressive craftsmanship and unexpected subtlety co-exist harmoniously.
Drawing similarities and influences from the likes of Jaga Jazzist, The Mars Volta, King Crimson, Magma and even through some vague shades of early Weather Report, Samuel’s love of jazz and prog are seamlessly fused on a track by track basis throughout the course of the EP.
The manifestation of his efforts give birth to an astonishing array of instrumental segments, structural choices and delivery. Mood, feeling, climax – Samuel takes these elements to work in building on conceptual roots established by the likes of Arthur C. Clarke – resulting in Samuel’s own fascinating style of instrumental storytelling.
“The compositional process to The Act Of Disintegration started with the concept of composing a soundtrack to an ‘internal film’, “begins Samuel. “I wanted to compose a musical novella of sorts that could be split in three parts to represent the three-act structure present in narrative fiction: I: Setup II: Confrontation III: Resolution. The story is essentially about confronting and accepting life as an event of inexplicable cosmic horror. Musically… I wanted to basically bring a plethora of influences together in a somewhat coherent manner.”
One of the most eye-opening aspects of this EP lies in a rare compositional style which Samuel shows an innate talent in delivering. His compositions often fork in two, flicking apart and interlocking once more in an urgent battle of harmonies – sometimes basslines will ascend over freeform jazz segments, only to wander back into the fray and add context and meaning to what previously seemed like unbridled chaos.
This thinking, not to mention the crisp execution of such a concept, shows that Samuel’s work on this EP is well ahead of the curve and adds promise to the future of his career.
credits
released July 5, 2019
Joona Samuel: Music by, electric guitar, additional synths & keyboards, programming
Niels Broos: Electric piano
Bernhard Hollinger: Bass
Ukko Heinonen: Tenor & Alto saxophone
Mark Alban Lotz: Flute
Jamie Peet: Drums
Jordy Kalfsvel: Piano on track 3
Teemu Kekkonen: Electric organ
Produced by Joona Samuel & Friso Hoekstra
Recorded by Rens Korevaar, Thomas Van Opstal
Recorded at Red Bull Music Academy studios Amsterdam, Guns For Hire studios Utrecht
Mixing & Mastering by Wessel Oltheten
Album artwork: Mia Maria Santala
I would like to thank all the people who contributed to this album intentionally or unintentionally, whether discussing music with me in a meaningful manner or playing me a some good music when I was a child. Thank you Niko Langenhuijsen, Jeroen Van Iterson, Thijs Bastiaans, Ertugrul Güney, Niels Broos, Jason Beck, Red Bull Music Academy, Torsten Schmidt.
supported by 24 fans who also own “The Act Of Disintegration”
I've been listenining this non stop since I discovered it. incredible musichanship and taste for harmonies. the tracks flow incredibly well but surprise you at every change. Love the rhythm fuckery that's going on, so inspiring. Gata Vrangr
supported by 23 fans who also own “The Act Of Disintegration”
incredible ep and outstanding musichanship, this is really inspiring, the way Istrumental (adj.) play with rhythm is really engaging and I'm loving the slightly more midwest emo vibe on these tracks. Gata Vrangr
A mesmerizing fusion of traditional Turkish melodies and contemporary sounds, creating a captivating musical journey. Bandcamp New & Notable May 27, 2023
supported by 22 fans who also own “The Act Of Disintegration”
Hashshashin's music is a bold fusion of sound and style, excitingly blending power with finesse to create sounds from another world. Urgent compositions possessing thunderous speed are swiftly countered by moody passages where darkness lies – each track attracts with unique attributes. Michael Reilly