Pianist and composer Zack Clarke explores jazz in shades of modern experimentalism in his latest album, Plunge. In 16 tracks, this album gives you electronic music, rock, hip-hop, and so much more in the folds of jazz. Plunge opens with “Alternativefacts.” The track is lively and playful as it features a tinkering and pitter-pattering rhythm section taking over the entire song. It’s like a symbolization of raindrops, or so it seems, when you take into account the cover art of a woman deep diving into water.
“Grahmcrackers” is another standout track on the album. It’s an engaging, rumbling, and pulsating piece as it showcases bluesy piano tunes flowing underneath sparkly cymbals, which build up to incorporate electronic glitches and turn the song more dynamic.
“BossHause” is a more aggressive and energetic track. A unique feature of this song is its incorporation of electrifying jolts of beats it utilizes to sharpen the atmosphere. On the other hand, “Fragment” allows the piano keys to scuttle and undulate in waves and trippy splashes only for the hard beats to take over. It’s like a harmonized contest that intrigues differently all over.
Nearing the end of the album, “SYCLE” engages us in lush melodies that veer towards the ground, facing its ruggedness, which goes on to explain the deeper, gritty edges and bustling drums.
Plunge may be influenced by artists such as Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, Herbie Hancock, and Craig Taborn. But fans of Pat Metheny, Frank Zappa, Flying Lotus, and Amon Tobin will find something of semblance here for them to enjoy.
Check out Zack Clarke’s thoroughly original album, Plunge on Spotify.
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Photo Credit: Peter Gannushkin, Wyatt McSpadden
Review by: Naomi Joan