EH3: Close to Nothing

EH3, comprising guitarist Erland Helbo, bassist Frode Berg, and drummer Erik Smith, presents a vibrant fusion of jazz-rock on Close to Nothing. Recorded in January 2025 at Schizophonia Studio in Jessheim, Norway, the album draws from American traditions of blues, soul, and funk, while infusing Scandinavian precision and exploratory spirit. The group demonstrates tight ensemble work, with Helbø's guitars leading melodic adventures, Berg's bass providing rhythmic depth, and Smith's drums offering dynamic propulsion. Occasional additions of Hammond organ and synthesizers by Knut Lochsen and Brynjulf Blix add textural layers, enhancing the album's eclectic yet cohesive sound on select tracks.

"Frostbite" exemplifies the trio's ability to blend intensity with nuance. Clocking in at five minutes and twelve seconds, it opens with Berg's pulsating bass line, establishing a mid-tempo groove that evokes a wintry chill. Helbø enters with a gritty guitar riff, his tone sharp and evocative, reminiscent of early fusion pioneers like John Scofield but filtered through a Nordic lens. The melody builds gradually, incorporating syncopated rhythms that challenge the listener while remaining accessible. Smith's drumming shines here, with intricate fills and cymbal work that accentuate the track's escalating tension without overwhelming the mix. As the solo section unfolds, Helbø takes center stage, his improvisation weaving through chromatic runs, bent notes, and rapid single-note lines that convey emotional depth. Berg follows with a solo of remarkable fluidity, his lines dancing around the beat in counterpoint to Smith's potent rock cadence. The addition of synthesizers midway introduces ethereal swells, mimicking frost forming on glass, before the group reunites for a powerful climax. The resolution returns to the initial motif, fading with a sense of quiet resolve.

And while the band does not reinvent the wheel, "Frostbite" captures EH3's essence: innovative yet rooted, energetic yet reflective. In a jazz landscape often polarized between tradition and experimentation, Close to Nothing, through tracks like this, strikes a compelling balance that rewards repeated listens.