Label/Year: Circavision Productions, 2017

Lineup - Matt Moran: vibraphone; Santiago Leibson: piano; Jonathan Goldberger: electric guitar; Rob Jost: bass; Brian (Shankar) Adler: drum set, ghatam.

Drummer/composer Brian (Shankar) Adler brings out another EP entitled Radioactive Landscapes, following up last year’s fusion doublet, Binary and Mysteries Of The Deep.
This work comprises three tunes, each of them lasting around five minutes. To shape it, Adler reunited his quintet composed of vibraphonist Matt Moran, guitarist Jonathan Goldberger, pianist Santiago Leibson, and bassist Rob Jost.

“Gowanus 40” kicks in by spreading a scent of mystery before setting foot in a groove laid down by Jost and Adler. Leibson and Moran infuse great part of the harmony and melody while Goldberger fills with stringed texture. The generated funk-rock pulse suffers occasional disruptions and variations, and Goldberger’s final breakthrough wakes us up from a sweet state of levitation and lethargy.

In “Watertown 34”, it’s possible to imagine water drops falling while listening to the synchronous intersections of Moran’s vibes and Leibson’s keys. The hypnotic ghatam's vibes introduced by the bandleader, push them into a mystic dance that gains an extra layer with Goldberger’s punctual guitar tremolos wrapped in effect. An abrupt detour leads us to a rock-inflated rhythm set up by bass and drums, triggering a distorted improvisation by the persuasive guitarist.

On the last tune, “Nuearth 49”, the quintet sets a more melancholic musical landscape, working together in an introspective commitment.
Gracious moments can be enjoyed in a confluence of diverse ambiances and influences.

Favorite Tracks:
01 – Gowanus 40 ► 02 – Watertown 34

Matt Moran: vibraphone; Santiago Leibson: piano; Jonathan Goldberger: guitar; Rob Jost: bass; Brian Shankar Adler - drum set, ghatam.

Brian Shankar Adler - Mysteries of the Deep

The open-minded drummer and composer, Brian Shankar Adler, opts to release “Mysteries of the Deep” on EP format.

Highly influenced by Indian music, Adler and his peers open with “Mantra”, a gripping and solidly crafted exercise that lets us in a state of delightful ecstasy. Layered by multiple melodic threads that include lachrymose guitar phrases and resolute vibes, the tune flows at the sound of a danceable rhythm defined by Rob Jost’s buoyant bass groove and Adler’s aerodynamic pulse.
An ethereal tranquility envelops us during “Windy Path”, an affectionate musical cadence that finishes in style with Adler playing gatham, one of the most ancient percussion instruments of South India.

The light atmosphere changes completely in “Pulses”, whose relentless pulsation, dark guitar sounds, and vibraphone counterpoints create a wandering sense of unease. A sudden calmness invades when Jost starts bowing his acoustic bass, allowing us to get lost in the immensity of the outer space.
“Rudram”, a special prayer chanted to Lord Rudra (Shiva), is delivered with both festive and liberating tones after a ruminative intro. A couple of momentary meditative disruptions, highlighting beautiful piano chords and soaring vibes, don’t refrain the quintet of embarking on a jubilant spin that harmoniously combines elements of jazz, funk, Indian music, and rock.

“Mysteries of the Deep” boasts an impactful sonorous aesthetic and its only sin is being short on tracks and duration.
Adler’s work probes assorted sounds, cultures, and genres in an effective way.

Favorite Tracks:
01 – Mantra ► 04 – Rudram