Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » YODOK III: YODOK III

4

YODOK III: YODOK III

By

Sign in to view read count
YODOK III: YODOK III
YODOK III began operations in Norway as the Trondheim-based duo of Swedish drummer Tomas Järmyr and tuba player Kristoffer Lo in 2008. They have released one EP (I, Self Produced, 2012) and one album (II, Perfect Hoax, 2013). Both Järmyr and Lo are versatile musicians, active in the local Norwegian experimental and improvised scene. Järmyr collaborated with Lo in the heavy drone trio Sunswitch (its self- titled album was released by Riot Factory, 2012) and the alternative jazz- pop outfit Doffs Poi. Lo plays in the art-rock bands PELbO and Highasakite, is a member of the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and the experimental tuba trio Microtub (its debut was released by Sofa Music, 2011). He is an independent musician who released a fascinating solo tuba album Anomic (Gigafon, 2013), where he redefined the instrument's sound with effects, pedals and electronics.

Järmyr and Lo wanted to push Yodok's musical envelope in a thick mix of noisy, industrial ambience and heavy drones. They addressed Belgian guitarist and sonic sculptor Dirk Serries, known before through the monikers Vidna Obama and Fear Falls Burning, after they were fascinated by his minimalist ambient works. The collaboration was recorded over one session in August 2012 and mastered by American experimental guitarist and producer James Plotkin. is released as a limited-edition (240 copies with download codes) vinyl album by a new imprint of the Dutch vinyl label Tonefloat, ironically called A New Wave of Jazz.

The A side, simply called "One," is a contemplative, psychedelic journey. Waves of resonant sounds, comprised of distant echoing guitar lines, amplified, deep-toned tuba sounds and light- ringing or scraped cymbals, join to form an infinite aural spectrum. All three musicians have equal parts in creating giant sound waves, with no dominant voice. The thick, rich sounds patiently grow bigger and deeper, enriched with noisy feedback, the singing voice of the tuba, nervous drumming and distorted guitar lines until it becomes a monolith of enigmatic, dream-state soundscapes that embrace a listener in a commanding, ritualistic meditation. The B side, "Two," present a different approach. Jarmyr's methodical pulse sets the course for a linear progression. This powerful pulse slowly evolves with noisy, atmospheric sounds that keep swirling around heavy beats, stressing the tension and mysterious, tribal mood until a monumental climax.

An exceptional, invigorating listening experience, suggesting a new means of creating free improv. One of the most impressive and original releases of 2014.

Track Listing

One; Two.

Personnel

Tomas Järmyr: drums; Kristoffer Lo: tuba, flugabone, effects; Dirk Serries: electric guitar, effects.

Album information

Title: YODOK III | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: A New Wave Of Jazz

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near Trondheim
Jazz Near Trondheim
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.