Short Reviews [Harpo Jarvi - 2023 - "Bangus EP"]

While still working on their next album, Harpo Jarvi decided to take a sidestep for some fun and have produced this EP which contains two instrumental tracks called “Big Bangus” and “Baby Bangus”, and no prizes whatsoever for thinking that one may be somewhat longer than the other. Although we still have Nick Johnson (bass, guitar, synth) and Jim Miles (piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ, synth), I notice drummer Dan Ilges is no longer involved and his place has been taken by Ernesto Doural. When I reviewed ‘Babuska Noir’ I said they reminded me very much of Egg and Hatfield & The North, but now they have taken their music in a different direction, inspired by the sounds of vaporwave. They've tried to take those sounds, drawing from trip-hop, downtempo, lounge, RnB, and smooth jazz, and repackage them up into two psych-prog numbers. One thing I noticed when playing this is that they have been influenced by genres I generally never listen to, yet somehow, they have brought all these together into something which is immensely listenable to and enjoyable from the first play. “Big Bangus” may be some 12 minutes long, but it never overstays its welcome, creating a world which draws the listener in. The rhythm section provides the foundation, but it is the synths and piano which are very much the melodic leads, and although there are some noticeable dance elements contained it never pulls too far away from the soft jazz/prog/psychedelic mix which works very well indeed. The bass provides the warmth which removes some of the sterility, and they have managed to provide a sound which is totally encompassing without being stifling at all, with just a hint of freshness which allows the music to breathe. I am not sure how indicative this release is going to be of their next album, and it is going to be intriguing to see where they go from here.