Elephant9, the Norwegian jazz fusion powerhouse, returns with "Psychedelic Backfire II," a captivating live album that captures the essence of their electrifying performances. Released on May 31, 2019, via Rune Grammofon, this album is a testament to the band's improvisational prowess and their ability to blend progressive rock and nu jazz into a seamless, dynamic sound.
Comprising four extended tracks, "Psychedelic Backfire II" showcases Elephant9's ability to craft intricate, layered compositions that are as accessible as they are complex. The album opens with a mesmerizing rendition of "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life," a Stevie Wonder classic that the band transforms into a sprawling, 14-minute odyssey. The trio of Torstein Lofthus on drums, Nikolai Hængsle on bass, and Ståle Storløkken on keyboards weaves a tapestry of sound that is both hypnotic and exhilarating.
The album continues with "Skink/Fugl Fønix," a dual-track that highlights the band's knack for blending disparate musical ideas into a cohesive whole. "Habanera Rocket" follows, a track that showcases the band's progressive rock roots, while the album closes with "Freedom's Children/John Tinnick," a track that brings the album full circle with a return to the nu jazz sensibilities that have become a hallmark of Elephant9's sound.
Recorded during a four-night residency at Kampen Bistro in Oslo, "Psychedelic Backfire II" is a live album that feels anything but. The band's chemistry is palpable, their improvisations precise and purposeful. The album is a testament to the band's ability to create music that is both spontaneous and meticulously crafted, a balancing act that few bands can pull off with such aplomb.
With its gatefold sleeve and high-quality recording, "Psychedelic Backfire II" is a visual and auditory feast. It's an album that demands to be experienced, not just heard, and one that will leave you eager for more from this extraordinary band.
Vinylscout
