Floating Sheep might easily be labeled as a “nu-jazz” outfit, but the emphasis is definitely on the word “nu.” Of course, jazz vibes and such sounds run through the heart of the music, but for every recognizable nod to that genre, there are at least two more that head off in new directions – soul, electronica, world… you name it.
And as if to prove their unique stance and sense of sonic adventure right from the start, the titular opener is driven by the mellifluous percussion of handpans, hardly a jazz instrument. Even though it runs for just over a minute, these smart and sensational players fit a lot in; all manner of liquid synths and shimmering sound washes join these moody metallic sounds.
These are instrumental songs, but they are no less expressive than lyrically led music, speaking in both a language of their own and in a less-than-tangible way, but one we all seem to understand. “Modern Minstrel” wanders from intriguing soulfulness to digital dexterity to off-kilter drumming to jazz-sax sophistication, and does so moving through such changes effortlessly.
“Turkish Kawabanga” reminds us that this is music of the east, blending oriental lilts with arabesque grooves, the handpans helping this already exotic sound look even further east, an influence they fully acknowledge and underscore with “Du Po” and its south-east asian finesse.
The album is essentially built on woodwind, percussion, and synths, which explains its unique sound; not even the standard instruments of the jazz world are to be found here, let alone those that define the rock and pop world. And that is what makes everything so original.
More players should ditch the guitars and embrace something new, look east rather than west, blur the lines that define genres, and make music that truly changes the overall sonic landscape… just as this strange and wonderful album does.
YouTube
Instagram
Bandcamp
Facebook
Soundcloud
