Spinifex explores the contrast between extremely tight irregular structures and extensive free improvisations. With its fearsomely explosive combination of musicians, Spinifex is all about compelling grooves, strong dynamics and challenging improvisations. Named after a tough Australian species of grass, Spinifex may at first sound like a combination of jazzcore, math-metal and other typically Western contemporary music. However, beneath the surface the listener will discover ancient cyclical rhythms of Turkish and Indian origin.
The newest album Beats The Plague consists of 9 tunes, among which a cover of a Madurai N. Krishnan piece, a composition by Bart Maris inspired by burning airships, two miniatures by Goncalo Almeida chasing out the pest demons, and an epic by Jasper Stadhouders. The four remaining pieces are compositions by Tobias Klein, one of them a homage to Selim Sesler and another dedicated to Mohammad Reza Shajarian. The tune Zoowiezoo celebrates a memorable night at the Berlin venue Sowieso, while Four20 is not really a reference to the herb but alludes to its theme’s 420 notes. The album was recorded by Olivier van Betsbrugge, mixed and mastered by the legendary Pierre Vervloesem, with artwork by Gonçalo Almeida. Funding by Sena Muziekproductiefonds.
Line-up:
Tobias Klein – alto saxophone
Bart Maris – trumpet
John Dikeman – tenor saxophone
Jasper Stadhouders – guitar
Goncalo Almeida – bass
Philipp Moser – drums