By Justin Smulison
Last Scene Alive is a new jazz trio comprised of saxophonist Graham Robertson, synth and keys maestro Zack Be and drummer Sean Sidley. These three musicians have performed with various other groups, and their debut, World Class Pep Talk, will undoubtedly get your attention upon its independent digital release on March 6.
The trio occupies a space where the bizarre meets the accessible: math rock anthems, jazz fusion breakbeats, expansive progressive rock passages, punk rock energy, and synth rock club bangers seamlessly coalescing under one umbrella.
Robertson’s opening note of the lead single, “Mad News Travels Fast,” will instantly insert you amid the controlled chaos of this multi-talented trio. True to jazz form, the baritone sax lays out the main theme, supplemented by Be’s zany orchestrations and Sidley’s incredible speed. Be sure to check out the incredibly entertaining video – as anyone who has worked on a small marketing (or office) team can sympathize with the employees’ plight.
One of the highlights of Pep Talk is its many curveballs. Following the zaniness of “Mad News,” we’re treated to a trip-hop-ish tune, “Summit Not Chasm,” – the only track with vocals (courtesy of the transcendent Taisha Estrada); here the atmospheric keys and synth are in the foreground with a thoughtful sax solo and backing accompaniments.
Ultimately, World Class Pep Talk provides a unique experience to listeners from a wide array of genres, injecting a tongue-in-cheek cynicism into the music almost entirely without lyrics.
I was thrilled to speak with Be and Robertson – Last Scene Alive’s songwriters – so they could demonstrate their volubility beyond the music. We looked back on the creative process and what might be in the future for this force of jazz fusion.
Clips: “Mad News,” “Honor Lies in Honest Toil,” “Better To Be Alone Than In Bad Company.”
LAST SCENE ALIVE:
Graham Robertson – saxophones, effects
Zack Be – keyboards, effect
Sean Sidley – drums
https://lastscenealive.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/lastscenealive
https://www.youtube.com/@LastSceneAlive
Place preorders at Bandcamp HERE and find digital presaves HERE.
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