Devils Of Moko, Algorithm Review
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Hitting the United Kingdom’s jazz scene with a new sound is the Devils Of Moko. Devils of Moko consists of Dominic J Marshall on piano and synth (Dominic J Marshall Trio, The Cinematic Orchestra), Mulele Matondo on bass (Kongo Dia Ntotila) and Sam Gardner on drums (Septabeat, Samadhi Quintet). Their music is a collective melting pot that captures each of their individual styles and amalgamates them into something fresh and unique. “If music is water, we are like fish,” says bassist Mulele, who regards no unchartered territory as ‘off limits.’ The players first met in the African Ensemble at Leeds College of Music. Within hours of jamming, they performed their first gig and stayed together a while until life and time took them in different directions. In November 2018, a sudden decision to have another jam almost instantly led to their debut album, One. The collection of ten tracks was written and recorded in less than ten days, with that same spirit of spontaneity from their first meeting still very much alive. The trio is now releasing “Algorithm” on Pussyfoot Records.
Positives:
The three distinctive styles and influences of the players create an interesting sound that is fresh and pushes the jazz genre forward.
Bottom Line:
Devils Of Moko build upon the jazz heritage with Marshall’s skillful piano and keyboard playing, Matondo’s deep grooving bass lines and influences of Congolese rhythms and sonic stories and Gardner’s explorations of drumming, electronic music, drum and bass sounds and a production that brings an edge to the trio’s voice. “Algorithm” has a British sound that blends new school Jazz and electronica. The title “Algorithm” refers to the bands ability to slip seamlessly in and out of electronic sounds, bleeps and repetitive motifs intermingling with more classic jazz harmonies, riffs and interaction. The groove is always kept central as the trio explores the various feels within the form. The electronica influences never detract from the flow or the organic nature of the tune. Solid mix of sounds and styles to create a Nu Jazz track that is moving and musically satisfying. That’s the short of it!