Oavette

“Oavette conjures elaborate landscapes.”
— Aakaash Israni (Dawn of Midi)

Oavette is an instrumental band from Japan. Their music embodies a unique blend of intelligence and primal energy, characterized by minimalism that is both emotional and dynamic. Percussive guitars intricately intertwine with complex drum patterns, while the bass line steadily builds tension, maintaining a stoic presence until the very end of each song.

Gear

Two electric guitars, electric bass, and drums

Oavette: Oavette LP

Read "Oavette LP" reviewed by David Bruggink

by David Bruggink
May 19, 2025

The fusion of acoustic instrumentation and electronic-influenced composition has a modest but persistent foothold in jazz. Listeners might reference examples like Vijay Iyer Trio's “Hood" from Break Stuff, Nik Bärtsch's Ronin, or perhaps most notably, Dysnomia by Dawn of Midi. Despite the emotional gulf between Dysnomia and, say, Keith Jarrett Trio's Standards in Norway, both albums share a traditional piano trio format and are likely categorized under jazz. Where Jarrett's work is expressive and melodic, Dawn of Midi constructed a ...

“Really cool, modular synth-inspired grooves with your typical Japanese perfectionism. Some of the finest math rock albums of the year.” — Everything Is Noise

“Oavette’s most extreme characteristic lies in their simplicity. Their polyrhythmic and geometric sound flows gently, but there’s madness hidden beneath the surface.” — Unite Asia

“There are some passages evoke krautrock and trance, but within the minimalist loop-scapes, keen listeners will be struck by its massive array of uncanny rhythms and slippery snare placements.” — Fecking Bahamas