The Young Immigrants: Head Borders

The Young Immigrants is a sextet led by Lithuanian double bassist, composer and one of the most intriguing Lithuanian musicians, Aurelijus Užameckis. In 2021, he released jaw-dropping double bass solo debut album Signals (CRRNT). Apart from Užameckis, musicians from various corners of Europe play in the band. All of them are united by Copenhagen, the city where their collaboration began and where all members currently reside.

Head Borders is hard to pigeonhole. The album is a confluence of numerous genres and subgenres. Avant-garde jazz and contemporary classical with touches of hip-hop, rock and other styles.

As regards compositions, for which Užameckis is largely responsible, there is a strong tendency towards lyricism and long, drone-like sounds are dominant. His compositions are laid out delicately, giving broad room for each instrument to unfold. And here the wind section fares particularly well—comprising bass clarinet, recorder flute, tenor saxophone and trumpet. "Head Borders" has broader instrumental variety, and therefore has more space to show its compositional skills and ingenuity while increasing dynamism. He has dealt very well with all the compositional challenges on his way and revealed himself as a creative whirlwind.

The album resonates with the work of Nate Wooley, Anthony Braxton, Wadada Leo Smith and Mats Gustafsson, plus there are with noticeable influences from Užameckis' compatriots, the playful and groovy drummer/percussionist Dalius Naujokaitis-Naujo and ferocious reedman Liudas Mockūnas. It's contemplative, vivid, full of compositional surprises and prepared to satisfy the most discerning ears.