Label: Self-released
Personnel - Benjamin Karp: guitar; Chris Coyle: bass; Matt Scarano: drums.
Bassist Chris Coyle leads the Philadelphia-based trio Vaux Taux, for which he is the main composer and arranger. The other members of this jazz-meets-indie-rock clan - guitarist Benjamin Karp and drummer Matt Scarano - joined him throughout the fluid proceedings that make their debut record, Watch You Walk, something not to be overlooked.
The strong musicianship shared by the threesome comes with a crossover appeal, and that’s immediately noticeable on the opener, “Tender”, an odd-metered ride boasting arresting rhythms and harmonic comfort. The fantastic energy and drive, which is positively affected by a slower passage, feels appropriate to the experimental trait of the guitarist, whose language melds the blaze of indie rock and the attractive colors of jazz.
The title track takes the pop/rock and jazz influences into breezy territories, but ends up in muscular circularity. Working in tandem with the guitar for a slightly psychedelic effect during the theme, the bass then finds some residual funk in a path that also crosses a dreamy section right before reaching the finale. Also with a sticky funky feel, the rhythmically worked out “21 Skidoo” has an infectious danceability linked to the visceral immediacy of the fusion genre. Besides the Alan Holdsworth-like vibe, there’s this fine melodic fingerpicking embellishing its middle passage.
Combining craft and spontaneity, the dulcet guitar intro of “Skymall” arrives with a good amount of restraint. It’s easy to identify gorgeous melodies, organized interplay, a melody-driven bass solo and some unexpected organ effects spotted by the end.
“You’ve Been Here Before” overtly draws from the alternative rock and indie pop canons, being shortened by a steep fade out. In contrast, “Vaux Taux” gets closer to folk rock in an early instance, later becoming a showcase for Karp’s hybrid language poured out over the steady rhythmic underpinning provided by Coyle and Sarcano.
With each member selflessly dedicated to creating organic music, this is the favorable outcome of their efforts as a group.
Grade B+
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Tender ► 04 - 21 Skidoo ► 05 - Skymall