Disaster Pony: Disaster Pony

Disaster Pony, the eponymous debut from the trio composed of Gordon Hyland, Adam Hindle and Ian Docherty, transcends the confines of a typical musical album to become a tempestuous jazz endeavor that finds itself amidst an electronic dance music (EDM) celebration. Envision a saxophone endowed with autonomy, weaving through electronic rhythms while adorned in a distinctive hat—such is the essence captured herein. The ensemble, equipped with diverse instruments and an audacious indifference to genre demarcations, embarks on a mission to render jazz not merely palatable but irresistibly rhythmic.

The roster presents a veritable assembly of luminaries from Toronto's jazz and independent music circles, spanning the saxophone prowess of Hyland to Andrew Roorda, who seems convinced his bass guitar doubles as a synthesizer. The collective effort, bolstered by cameo performances from cellist Liza McLellan and violinist Eugene Draw among others, navigates compositions with names that appear to have emerged from an exceptionally vivid dream.

The philosophical foundation of this album can be summarized as follows: why settle for mere sampling when one can dismantle and reassemble? Drawing inspiration from a wide array of influences, from Amon Tobin to the Beastie Boys, the album treats genres not as fixed guidelines but as flexible suggestions, shattering them to forge something as surprising to its architects as it is to the audience.

The album commences with "It's Got Tentacles," characterized by ethereal effects, followed by Andrew Roorda's guerilla bass lines and drummer Adam Hindle's funk-rock cadence, as Gordon Hyland continues the convivial atmosphere with his melodious saxophone solos. However, the tone transitions during the somber ballad "Fruit Flies in Cola," encapsulated by McLellan's plaintive articulations and Hyland's soothing tones.

"You're Still a Lousy Fink" highlights an unconventional rock rhythm, driven by vibrant improvisation through shimmering notes and Roorda's resonant bass. Yet, what distinguishes this album is not solely its bold fusion of jazz and EDM, but its capacity to evoke visions of a future where musical genres are so intricately interwoven that disentangling them would be as futile as attempting to unscramble an omelet.

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