Belgian ensemble Azmari has released their fourth EP, In Oculis, a five-track exploration that marks a new chapter in their musical evolution. Embracing a more minimalistic approach, the band recorded the EP during various residencies in Belgium and abroad, resulting in an eclectic fusion of powerful grooves, cinematic jazz, floating melodies, and entrancing soundscapes.
A notable collaboration on this project is with French musician Guillaume Souffrice, also known as Mosso Mosso. A long-time collaborator and former guitarist for Azmari, Souffrice brings his expertise as a music therapist and multi-instrumentalist to the EP. His extensive travels—from studying the daf in Iranian Kurdistan to immersing himself in the shehnai in northern India—infuse the music with cross-cultural rhythms and melodies. Souffrice's passion for psychedelic guitar tones and the classic wah-wah pedal adds depth and dimension to the band's sound.
The EP opens with "Night Plants Can Run," featuring a rhythmic loop on the Berimbau, a Brazilian percussion instrument traditionally used in Capoeira. The track offers a steady, groovy journey between Rio de Janeiro and Sarajevo, with a guitar theme doubled by the saxophone, all underpinned by a deep 4/4 groove. The middle section introduces a flurry of percussion, evoking a sense of urgency and chase, inspired by the band's studio experience imagining a pursuit through the Amazon.
"Disassembling the Matrix" takes listeners on a 9/4 march that feels both elusive and powerful. Born from a jam session where an arpeggiator loop wouldn't stop, the band decided to continue with it, highlighting the beauty of spontaneous creation. "Lizard's Dream" is a guitar-driven trip that gradually intensifies in energy, surprising with a sudden groovy break before returning to its soft and introspective theme, closing out the A-side of the vinyl.The fourth track, "Eyelights," was born from the shores of Vevey Lake in Switzerland. It reflects a period of mental observation and rhythmic exploration, using three different time signatures that converge as the song progresses. The melody loops with a peaceful and nostalgic vibe, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Under the direction of producer Frederik Segers, "Eyelights" takes on a cinematic feel, incorporating classical upright piano sounds—a first for Azmari.
The EP concludes with "17th Tiger Print," transporting listeners to the banks of the Ganges. Souffrice's shehnai leads the track into a hypnotic, hallucinatory dimension, where its interplay with the baritone saxophone creates a textured, mystical atmosphere. This track encapsulates Azmari's essence, bridging cultures and emotions in a minimalist yet impactful manner.
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