Tourismo: Torque

With Tourismo's debut album Torque, the mischievous Australian quartet not only throw their hat into the progressive jazz ring but do so with a distinctly Outback-bred flair. The brainchild of drummer Alex Hirlian and pianist Matthew Thomson—both laureates of the National Jazz Award—this album bursts onto the scene with electrifying energy that proves these musicians are here to jazz things up.

The music defies easy categorization, drawing inspiration from jazz, funk and fusion. The group weaves a myriad tapestry of sound that is both hard-hitting and intricately designed.

The title track sets a high bar out of the gate. It acts like the artists' manifesto, where Thomson's electric piano whirls through the air like a boomerang, slicing through complex rhythms with Hirlian setting the pace. The track swerves through a series of musical escapades, highlighting their capability to turn on a dime.

Up next, "Avalon" pumps up the jazz groove with Thomson's vigorous piano runs and Hirlian's robust rhythms. Nick Henderson's bass throbs powerfully underfoot, while Michael Avgenicos's sax and Josh Meader's guitar throw in bursts of brilliance, turning the track into a full-blown jazz fiesta.

In "Movement," including spoken word by piano virtuoso Jason Moran, offering a tip of the hat to the Aussie talents he has encountered in New York City. It is less of a song and more of a rolling homage, filled with respect, camaraderie and Avgenico's poignant soloing. Yet "Bobbin Head" feels like a hyper jazz-funk cyclone touching down. Hirlian's drumming is slick and forceful, propelling his cohorts into up-tempo theme-building patterns.

The serene "At Dusk" provides a tranquil interlude amidst the album's vibrancy. Composed by Josh Meader, his flickering chords and gentle jazz motifs feel like the calm during a sunset, reflective and beautifully understated leading to some invigorating flights into the cosmos.

The session closes with "After Dark," a moody ballad that still manages to uplift. Henderson's bass lays a deep foundation, supporting soaring solos that make one feel like stargazing after a long, exhilarating day.

Tourismo's compositions are fresh, daring and fearless in their exploration beyond the conventional jazz boundaries. The ensemble work—be it Avgenicos' saxy contributions, Henderson's grounding bass lines, or Meader's electric guitar riffs—adds complex layers that enrich the whole experience. After a ride with "Torque," one emerges a bit dizzy, grinning ear-to-ear, and ready to dive back in for another excitable adventure Down Under.

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