Szun Waves - New Hymn to Freedom
by Keith How
published: 25 / 9 / 2018

Label:
Leaf Label
Format: CD
intro
Excellent jazz-influenced second album from improvising London-based experimental trio Szun Waves
The minimal and abstract cover that houses 'New Hymn To Freedom' is fitting for the six tracks of live improvisations laid down on the disc. Szun Waves consists of Luke Abbott, Jack Wyllie and Laurence Pike, who are all experienced in the field of fusion and improvisation, and on this second album recorded with no edits and overdubs they offer a superb set of tunes. The present jazz scene in London is currently pushing back musical boundaries in all kinds of directions (check out Jazz Refreshed) and out on the fringes of this scene Szun Waves are cleverly expanding their own territory. These six offerings are the equivalent of completely new landscapes. From the almost psychedelic opener 'Constellation' which flies into outer space with Wyllie’s saxophone spiralling cosmic runs with a real intensity, to 'Fall into Water', a simply beautiful ambient meditation that gently carries you away, this is a fine body of work. Drummer Laurence Pike drives 'High Szun' in a frenzied work out that at times brings to mind moments from Alice Coltrane’s 'Astral Meditations'. Szun Waves are a trio of names that not many of us are familiar with. Luke Abbott’s reputation for creating electronic music is growing. Wyllie, of course, will be a name known to followers of the excellent Portico Quartet. Pike is known for his work with jazz experimenters Triosk. The empathy between the three is obvious to hear, no more so on the title track, '“New Hymn to Freedom'. A pastoral opening, almost Gabarek like in its beauty, builds into a slow-burning groove led by Pike’s insistent Morse code drumming. Wyllie and Abbott duel ferociously, sax and synths intertwining and weaving never out of control, seemingly sending a message spiralling into the universe before a fade out leaves you slightly stunned. 'New Hymn to FREedom' is a fine example of new music, immersive, melodic and satisfying.
Track Listing:-
1 Constellation2 Fall Into Water
3 High Szun
4 Temple
5 Moon Runes
6 New Hymn To Freedom
Band Links:-
https://en-gb.facebook.com/szunwaves/https://www.szunwaves.com/
https://twitter.com/SzunWaves
Label Links:-
http://www.theleaflabel.com/en/index.phphttps://www.facebook.com/theleaflabel
https://twitter.com/theleaflabel
https://www.youtube.com/user/theleaflabel
https://plus.google.com/109098497483046618790
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Sukie Smith - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart