After having my ear canals left in awe by albums like Zs' New Slaves and Little Women's Throat, I grew a disposition for any kind of left-field jazz that I could get my hands on. I began revisiting a few personal favorites that fell under that category: Normal Love's self-titled effort, Zs' Arms, and Godzik Pink's Black Broccoli, which kept me yearning for something in 2010 that would remove jazz elements from their origins-- enter Rats' debut.
Though in a similar vain to the aforementioned groups, Rats evade the jittery and dissonant compositions for a much more relaxed intent. Comprised of tenor saxophone, baritone guitar and bass, these 11 tracks sprawl out melodically more than structurally. An ebb and flow remain present throughout, however the absence of percussion allows the songs to turn in any direction without allusion. Rather than eliciting unease or apprehension, each track leaves anticipation for the succeeding counteraction-- be it an arpeggiated melody, a comforting saxophone solo, or a calmly delivered bass line.
Rats' self-titled effort feels like anything but a debut. From beginning to end, these songs are composed to their fullest potential even with such a minimal arrangement of instruments. Although what the trio has put forth may not sound too uncommon at first listen, they've forged some new ground within the realm of the avant-jazz hybrids. Serenity becomes the vanguard of the album's concepts, and leads the trek over the length and breadth of these 38 minutes.
[Rats Myspace]
[Buy Rats from the band's website]
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