Bay Area ensemble LOBE released their debut album, was that on purpose?
Combining jazz, alt-folk, and nostalgic pop culture influences, the album is a collection of nine songs that celebrate the ensemble’s journey together since meeting at Stanford University’s jazz program, as well as the joy of improvisation.
Having been working together for three years, the group features Daiki Nakajima (flute, bass, tenor, and soprano saxophone), Sam Silverstein (violin), Ethan Buck (alto saxophone), Nolan Miranda (piano, synths), Mark Rau (bass, guitar), and Michael Hayes (drums).
Mixed by Jack Kelly and mastered by James Clemens-Seely, the album is a trip through each member of the ensemble’s greatest strengths – whether it be vocal prowess, mastery of polyrhythms, or each member’s comfort and ease with their chosen instruments.
Starting with the opener, the Vince Guaraldi-esque Sucker Punch, the album doesn’t waste time making it clear that LOBE is a group who absolutely know what they’re doing. Featuring playful saxophone textures, echoing guitars, and a distinct video-game-soundtrack level of grandness, Sucker Punch feels very much like a deeply complex pop song, to the point where it definitely wouldn’t be off-putting for anyone who doesn’t consider themselves a fan of jazz. This same playful Vince Guaraldi style is also present on "Hummingbird Dances," featuring fluttering flute and violin duets and conversations as playful piano and hi-hat-forward drums serve to create a distinctly Snoopy-themed ambience.
Particular highlights on the album include Rain Pause (Rain Again), which features some particularly delightful violin and flute sections and gives the general vibe of the end credits of a modern Legend of Zelda game. There’s also the slow, strikingly lovely moon jelly, which, despite being pitched as Studio Ghibli-esque, is really more reminiscent of the Red Garland Trio, and particularly evokes the mood of the All Kinds of Weather compilation with its pizzicato double bass and twinkling piano scales.
Another highlight on the album is "set time," which allows both the saxophone and piano to particularly shine. The vibe of the track is something that wouldn’t be amiss on an old SimCity or Sims game soundtrack, and the way the saxophone and piano converse, in a manner similar to the violin and flute on "Rain Pause (Rain Again)," is wonderful—only elevated further as the guitar melody comes in.
The track "imperfect misdemeanour" opens with some interesting synths and breakbeats, evoking an almost Venetian Snares-style mix before the synths become more melodic, layered with electric piano to smooth out their potentially abrasive edges. The saxophone sections on"imperfect misdemeanour" are also a particular treat, managing to sound both totally cohesive and improvisational at the same time.
Closing the album is a cover of The Beatles’ "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," which replaces the vocals with hums and whistles, as well as plucked violin to start, before the rest of the band comes in and the violin transitions to a bowed melody.
The rhythm of the original has been stretched and played with, bringing more interesting textures to what is generally a very simple, straightforward song.
Overall, was that on purpose? is a distinct, richly instrumented, and playful jazz album that seamlessly blends structured composition with improvisational prowess.
Every member of the ensemble has their moment to shine, and more than deserves it—making LOBE an outfit everyone needs to watch.
