'En Masse!' marks the latest album release from Danish guitarist Teis Semey whose abrasive perceptions of contemporary jazz continue to garner acclaim as his projects mount up.
Much like Japan's Soil & "Pimp" Sessions referred to their high-octane levels of jazz as "death jazz", for Semey, his myriad of experiences, styles and passions seem to organically spawn a style of jazz matching the energy of Tokyo’s finest but still having cultivated an energy all of its own.
The term "abrasive" as a way to describe Semey's music is in no way used in a disparaging context - it's an immeasurably bold approach that sees the guitarist so committed to his somewhat visionary perspective of his music that makes him seem deperate to tear up the rule book with punk levels of outright rebellion...
Musically, the soundscapes defy order with songs like 'Hippity Hoppity Abolish Private Property' and 'Please Welcome the Giant of Rotterdam' bursting with energy and impassioned expression in a cacophany of meticulous chaos. Beyond just the musical aspect of rebellion, however, 'En Masse!' further serves to address societal woes as a socialist manifesto for we - as a global community - can best serve each other and work towards what should be all of our common goals.
'En Masse!' comes in the midst of a particularly productive and creative period for Semey who is not far removed from the release of Raw Fish's 'Crudo' a mere five months prior. Created as a project that relishes the middle space between electronics and live insrumentation, the Semey-helmed collective unveiled an excellent debut record that sets the bar high for future releases. Continually showing no signs of creative dry spells, 'Crudo' finds its release, again, mere months away from Semey's 'Midnight Mess vol.1' (2023).
But that level of output and ability to reinvent perceptions of his music seems to be a standard - or perhaps a self-imposed pressure - that Teis Semey thrives in living up to.
As with 'En Masse!', Temey's projects find their charm in their imagination and while the aforementioned more energetic numbers are easy examples to cite as standouts, the album's more introspective numbers like 'A Melody to Help Me Through Winter' and 'Too Scared to Say It Like It Is' are just as captivating.
Incredibly engaging and beaming with creativity, Teis Semey unveils an absolute gem with 'En Masse!' rounding out an excellent year of releases.
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