In recent years, the space where jazz, electronica, and post-rock meet has proved to be a fruitful hunting ground for seekers of unique music that steers into uncharted waters.
The likes of Jaga Jazzist, Yussef Kamaal, The Breathing Effect, and Vels Trio all come to mind when considering acts who have successfully straddled these styles and blurred the lines between genres, managing to explore the sonic boundaries and offer up their own signature sounds.
Three-piece band: FLOCKS of Cincinnati, Ohio are another act very much in that mould. They describe themselves as “Humans making digital music” which could perhaps be written off as a flippant remark by the casual reader, however, after listening to them it actually seems to be the simplest and most accurate statement that captures the essence of what they are.
Their latest single 'Grammar King' effortlessly flits between sections of frenetic drum patterns, off-kilter synths, and broken bass lines, before seamlessly transitioning into satisfying future-jazz and electronica grooves. The crisp, scattergun rhythms are superbly balanced with soulful and euphoric passages that ride smoothly, creating a real sense of journey throughout.
Altogether it makes for a joyful and cerebral listening experience with the kind of dynamics and playfulness that can only be derived from humans playing instruments together and no amount of studio programming can imitate.
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