A grippingly unique melding of jazz and electronica immerses on Plunge, the newest album from NYC-based artist Zack Clarke. “I feel there is a lot in modern production technology and IDM aesthetics that can enhance jazz,” Clarke says. “My aim was to find a marriage of these two styles and make something truly unique.” The result is a thorough success, enjoyably idiosyncratic in its tonal and structural approaches, while remaining consistently melodic.
Opening track “Alternativefacts” intrigues with stabs of piano and underlying synth frequencies, crafting a fragmented sensation that’s bolstered by jazzy percussive momentum at mid-point. Another highlight, “Spectrum” incorporates more hectic piano trickles and reflective synths with similarly invigorating qualities. Elsewhere, “UNIT” concocts a nostalgia that reminds me personally of Super Mario Bros. in its excitable keys and tonal disposition.
Highlights continue throughout the album, including the dynamic “Whatever,” traversing seamlessly from electronic-minded keys into a more jazz-fixated piano traversal across the second half. “SYCLE” also impresses with its rock-friendly edge, as clamoring percussion and quivering effects immerse. Plunge touts an abundance of satiating experimentation and creatively melodic charms across its inventive fusion of jazz and electronica.
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“Alternativefacts” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Electronic.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
