Sungazer "Sungazer, Vol.2" (2019)

 

Further approaching the duos origin, this sophomore EP fits a snug five track format of snappy, "to the point" tracks, clocking in at around three to four minutes each. This second volume's scope feels narrowed, as does the stylistic pallet, however this reduction is its strength, an ambition channelled. Fusing a shimmering Vapourwave mystic and joyous Chiptune cheeriness as its key electronic tone, their Jazz Fusion foundation often takes a healthy backseat to these grabbing glitchy production stunts.

Busy baselines and animated percussion are an excellence you'd expect of these passionate professionals. So to does the cast of other traditional instruments have moments to shine, however they come rather understated in the shadow of this fever dream whirl of colorful electronic mania. Ostinato is the one track to ditch this element.

The other four cuts solely focus on its quirky uncanny valley personality. Its lead keyboard solos and intriguing manipulating production elements dominate the show alongside these glitchy sampled vocal snippets that tie in theme and feel nicely. Altogether it creates a sense of exploring crossroads between robot and human. A distinct character making this brief record more impactful than I initially thought.

Rating: 6/10

Sungazer "Perihelion" (2021)

 
Kicking off with Threshold to establish a whimsical tone, we embark upon luminous musical crossroads. The duos Jazz Fusion architecture meets modernity as snippets of buzzing IDM energy, tonal Vapourwave synths and a soft Chiptune cheeriness emerges. Perpetually pushed by Neely's peppy basslines and Crowder's ever enthusiastic drumming, the aforementioned accents play second fiddle to their rhythmic powerhouse. The positively charged Perihelion has curious conductive chemistry. This current reflection of electronic trends generates inspired compositions, overloaded by the pairs prime instruments. Songs initially appear to be defined by there synthetic aesthetic but Neely and Crowder end up steeling the show.

Opening instrumentals Threshold and Macchina dazzle but following them, an introduction of pitched Vapourwave vocal snippets sours the rest of the record. Personally I find their moody presence a redundant distraction from the expressive blossom unraveling around their rigidity. Its a personal qualm, one that never quite dissipated. Around these intentionally voiced elements plays an joyous arsenal of ambitious lead instruments and adventurous compositions coming to life. Thicc feels like the one track to embrace it quirky vocal element in a playful cheeky tone. The arrival of that 80s TV talk show Jazz Cheese feels so right for them.

My conclusion lays firmly in the words already written. A fantastic record with a single element that unsettled my experience of a brilliant chemistry. Perihelion unites some trendier sounds with a tried and true sound. Executed by musicians looking to explore their musicality, it plays an animated treat full of twists, turns and adventure.

Rating: 7/10

Sungazer "Against The Hall Of Night" (2024)

Late to the party but happy to have finally arrived, my years spent following Adam Neely's explainer videos and showcasing of prodigy percussionist bandmate Shawn Crowder seem unforgivable in the wake of such a delightfully warm and musically riveting record. Perhaps its this latest chapter of bright, cheery Jazz Fusion that lured me in. Armed with an arsenal of well educated professional musicians, Against The Hall Of Night sails through vibrant excellence, a gorgeous aesthetic production, dazzling one with a snug fit of crisp instruments expressing emotions boldly.

Earmarked by intravenous illuminations from lead solos, song directions house these expressive delights through intriguing foundations. Experimenting with odd grooves, time signatures and an adventurous opposition to popular convention, song structures bustle from their power house rhythm section, gushing forth with stellar musical ideas. Crowder's crisp and clean drumming a continuous pleasure, as no beat ever seems to rest on its laurels, always finding a angle from which to spice up the pizzazz. 

On the journey of its nine chapters, familiar themes of bold, cheesy 80s gameshow Jazz "done right" frequently emerge, alongside other motifs within a broader Jazz Fusion landscape. Always seeking to expand horizons, much of the music has room for modern Electronic key tones, delving on occasion into the Synthwave style, retro Chiptune 8bit melody and in another realm of the spectrum, crunches of Metal groove. All classy and well executed, every idea feels fully fleshed out, expressive, matured, yet most of all, emotionally entertaining, gratifying and endearing.

To layer on at least some critique in the wake of my applause, the record does feel somewhat front loaded. Its opening half feels a grade above what proceeds but that could be personal preference. The latter songs seem to lean more into the Jazz side of the project. Lead instruments dance out melodies with less personal resonance. Even so, I like these numbers very much. What a cracking record, Bravo!

Rating: 8/10