Avant-garde French trio Bada-Bada step up to Jazz-o-Tech with a standout new 8 track EP titled simply “II”
that finds fascinating new emotion where jazz and techno collide. It features six originals plus remixes by
Fabrizio Rat and Distant Echoes.
Bada-Bada consider themselves a Trans-Jazz band who create with a freeform musical discourse that is
heavily reliant on improvisation. They have a sound that is haunting and emotional, textural and diverse,
and that blurs the lines between the organic and the synthetic. Explosively mixing keys, synths, sax and
trumpet with very modern studio techniques they channel different influences from Steve Reich to Radio-
head to David Bowie, both in the studio and at their impressive live gigs.
Opener 'R4G3' is a blistering track with suspensory chords keeping you on edge while manic drum playing
hurries along. Add in the squealing synths and brass and you have a brilliantly intense workout. 'Venus' is a
more laid back track with more loose drums, and again exquisite horns sounds and a dense mix of synths
that are truly electrifying. 'Bada-Bada' strikes a more thoughtful and reflective note, with lingering chords
drifting off to the cosmos next to sombre sax, and 'Maria João' continues the reflective vibe with a quiet and
reflective piece of jazz sax with subtle piano accompaniments that builds to a big wall of intense sound, fizz-
ing synths and pounding drums. 'Shiva' takes you on a freeform trip to spine tingling heights with textured
synths and manic trumpets all speaking of real pain and loss and finally, 'TLLNN Part 2' washes over you
with mellifluous drum grooves, idyllic chords and a real sunset vibe that is powered by a tight rhythm sec-
tion.
Pianist and techno producer Fabrizio Rat fuses his classical piano with contemporary techno in fascinating
new ways on labels like this one as well as 24H Records. His remix of 'R8G3' is a powerful, stripped back
techno jazz roller with forceful kicks and plenty of atmosphere in the wandering sax sounds up top.
Dystopian label associate and Out-er co-owner Distant Echoes appeared on this label's vital THIS IS TECHNO
JAZZ. VOL 1 compilation and follows up with a superb remix here. It is awash with rueful chords and organic
pianos and has a perfectly airy dub techno groove that floats you through space.