js When nu jazzers Roy Powell (B3, synth), Jacob Young (guitar) and Jarle Vepestad (drums) got together in 2011 to record “Anthem”, they may not have known that they would become a permanent trio, but the following year they amped up their musical direction and recorded “Interstatic”, while also using the album’s name to be their new group name as well. All three of these band mates felt that their debut had been a little too typical in their adherence to current trends in North European “contemporary” jazz, so they decided to dig a little deeper in coming up with some creative musical directions on their new one.

One stated influence on “Interstatic” is the early work of Terje Rypdal, and that would probably be the best reference for this album’s influences, but you also get some free bop Hammond trio jazz ala Larry Young, Elvin Jones and Tony Williams Lifetime. Added to these jazz influences, Interstatic also plays a very understated somber “rock” style that draws upon post-rock stylists like Durutti Column and Nicky Skopelitis, as well as the almost sentimental early 70s instrumental rock of artists like Focus and Phil Manzenera. All of these influences mix together seamlessly for Interstatic as they create their own personal sound. As stated earlier, there is a very appealing somberness to this band’s sound which combines with their loose structures to make a music that is the exact opposite of glitzy and glamorous. This album is highly recommended for fans of modern jazz-rock, all of the players are great and can totally smoke when they solo, but they often trade in show-off chops for plaintive melodies and ethereal sound textures.