Thumbscrew - Never Is Enough [2021]

Published on PostGenre

It hasn't even been a year since Thumbscrew released their superb record in tribute to Anthony Braxton, but the trio is already back with Never Is Enough. Braxton's influence is still apparent, especially in the more rigid moments, but this album is a completely different experience. For much of the runtime, the trio opts for a more contemplative approach. Listening to it, it's easy to see why Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Mary Halvorson (guitar), and Michael Formanek (bass) have become constant fixtures in the avant-garde jazz scene.

Black Country, New Road - For the first time [2021]

The following that Black Country, New Road have cultivated may seem a bit odd out of context, because For the first time is their debut album. The band is not popular in a pop sense, and their music isn’t designed to get them there. However, BC, NR has already made a dent in their niche off the back of two stellar singles and rapturous live shows in England. The opening track, "Instrumental", makes it easy to see why - it's hard not to long for a live show in the age of coronavirus lockdowns when hearing musicianship this good.