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This is the 4th EP from Toronto, Ontario, Canada instrumental band & production team BADBADNOTGOOD. Consisting of drummer/vibraphonist Alex Sowinski as well as bassist/keyboardist Chester Hansen & multi-instrumentalist Leland Whitty, they formed in 2010 over their shared appreciation for the late MF DOOM & of course Odd Future. Their first 2 full-lengths BBNG & BBNG2 further gained traction for blending original material & covers until III fully won me over near the end of my junior year of high school after Tyler, The Creator introduced me to them through shouting the band out on “Lone” off his sophomore effort Wolf. The Odd Trio also produced what I consider to be Ghostface Killah’s most underrated album Sour Soul approximately 9 months later & Leland was promoted from touring member to official member the next summer on IV. Matthew Tavares departed in 2019 & their XL Recordings debut Talk Memory subsequently came out couple years later. However, BADBADNOTGOOD are looking to close the Mid Spiral trilogy on Growth.
“First Love” is this colorful intro to the 3rd & final final installment of the Mid Spiral saga bringing back the jazz-funk influences that were throughout Chaos a couple weeks ago whereas the next track “Audacia” moves on there working in some funky bass licks, horns, saxophones & even an organ to near closer to the halfway point. “Celestial Hands” bridges the EP with a jazzy composition that feels reminiscent of “I’d Rather Go Blind” by the late Etta James at some points & “Ways of Seeing” pulls inspiration from the Houston psychedelic rock trio Khruangbin a bit prior to the final song “White Light” ending Mid Spiral with a smooth jazz instrumental for you to light a blunt to.
What we’re seeing in the world today is truly heartbreaking when taking in consideration of everything going on in Rafah & across the world really, but I’m faithful about the trilogy of new EPs from BADBADNOTGOOD here will achieve Easy Feelings Unlimited’s goal of giving hope & momentary joy to those in a dark time who so happen to need it. All 3 chapters Chaos, Order & Growth when you combine them as a whole displays the odd trio expanding their signature jazz fusion sound by pulling from jazz-funk, jazz-rock, easy listening, samba-jazz, post bop & smooth jazz.
Score: 4/5
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