Arise

Arise, the second RareNoise album by Interstatic, builds on the edgy assertions of their 2012 self-titled debut, and creates a more instinctive, griot and groove-laden dialogue. The power trio is comprised of Naked Truth's B-3 boss Roy Powell on Hammond organ, Norwegian guitarist Jacob Young (Mathias Eick, Trygve Seim) on guitar, and drummer Jarle Vespestad of Supersilent -- as well as Tord Gustavsen -- fame. For those who've only heard Young's records on ECM, his axe-slinging role in Interstatic will come as somewhat of a shock. Over nine tracks, this trio utilizes the common ground of rhythmic blues, jazz, and funk-based vamps to spiral off into uncharted waters of edgy, vanguard prog, electric jazz-rock, and free improv. "Caerbannog" has a knotty arpeggiatic jazz head; it moves along a tense tightrope of squalling fusion (you've never heard a B-3 sound like this before), metallic guitar riffs, and popping breaks. "Alpha Dog" is wide-open post-bop investigation with sideways, angular soloing between Young and Powell. "Frank'll Fix It" may (or not) refer to Frank Zappa's Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar series albums, but the interplay between Vespestad and Young more resembles the interplay between Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles with Powell adding some wonderfully tight basslines underneath. But things can become wonderfully atmospheric, too. "Iwato" finds Powell almost swooning through the middle of Young's caterwauling, pulsing solo as Vespestad bathes them in cymbals and softly resonating snare. As evidenced by two recordings, this is a fantastic trio; Interstatic sound like they have their feet firmly planted underneath them and a wide-open vision. Arise has such a wide appeal, it will resonate equally with fans of John McLaughlin, Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood, and Caspar Brotzmann. ~ Thom Jurek