Having been quite active on the European music scene over the last fewyears, receiving some notable praises that include a Grammy nominationin their homeland, Norwegian music collective Jaga Jazzist appear to begaining deserved recognition across the Atlantic for their uniquecombination of jazzy instrumental and electronic based music. Recentlyreleased in North America, the Animal Chin EP is comprised of three tracks from their debut release A Livingroom Hush, two remixes of tunes from said release and a sneak preview track from the soon-to-be-released full length disc The Stix.The rhythmically busy "Animal Chin" provides a whirlwind backing ofinterlacing guitar, keyboard and xylophone as a nice contrast for asmall woodwind section of saxophones and bass clarinet to play out amelody that moves gracefully with each progression. From the upcomingrelease, the more electronic-styled "Toxic Dart" snaps along to ablender mix of live and electronic percussion, bass and multiplekeyboard tweakings that gradually become less abstract with theaddition of woodwinds and some great surf guitar lines that jut out ofthe mix now and again. Drummer Martin Horntveth remixes "Lithuania"from its original relaxed standing of Rhodes piano, twangy guitar anddramatic woodwinds into a cut and paste version of its former self thatat times comes off as a frenetic videogame soundtrack. Yet anotherbonus not available on either of the full length releases, the 70ssoundtrack-inspired "Tristar" highlights some great arrangements forwah-wah guitar, harmonica and trombone. The Animal Chin EP is agreat introduction to the band's musical direction and remix workings,and at the same time gives some insight of what more to expect shortly. Read More
