Intense prog and free jazz fervour tease out a description of what Let Spin do.
But call it anything – why not.
Deciding to plump for the hyperbolic idea that the 4 piece represent fresh thinking is not really that barking, gentle reader – now is it?
Let Spin come over as a democratically minded English jazz scene outfit formed more than a decade ago by guitarist and composer Moss Freed.
Maybe there be monsters in the ego department behind the scenes. But I doubt it.
The inventive band collectively smash notions of rigid expectations and all concerned have developed a distinctive sound that thrives on fiery, anarchic flow, jagged runs and occasionally an all out assault on the senses.
All this is framed within a certain off kilter discipline that is cleanly defined and expressed as if scrawled in big bold marker pen into strongly organised patterns borne of a sort of telepathic flow that vandalises and scandalises.
The band can go off piste as much as they need to beyond the notes on the page.
You do get a sense of real freedom, not pretend posturing at all. Maybe I’m just projecting.
Their debut album, Let Spin established the energetic interplay between guitar and saxophone at the centre of the group’s sound.
Certainly it is a fairly prog and free jazz friendly approach.
If you like Led Bib and John Zorn then this may very well be your cup of tea.
Reading the leaves Let Go reflected a band brimming with confidence after extensive touring. But there was and is no bluster.
Freed is probably more Holdsworthian on the latest album. Other comparisons (John McLaughlin?) are available!
Achieved by osmosis or rather an active lineage to this name dropping by me – any truth to it? No idea. But you can trace that squally, intense, cry in Freed’s sound that allows a comparison up to a point with either/both in there somewhere without being too much of a fantasist.
Let Spin play MAC Birmingham tonight; Crookes Social Club, Sheffield tomorrow; and The Rose Hill, Brighton on Saturday.
