BadBadNotGood release their album IV with a comprehensive jazz collection that builds upon their own strengths as well as others. Half the tracks from IV feature vocalists and musicians not associated distinctly with jazz, though the group manages to incorporate those styles to a reworking of their own distinctive brand.
Opening track “And That, Too” comes out like retro vaporwave with its eerie mix of synthetic vibes and saxophone undertones. This sort of progressive rock, Quentin Tarantino vibe that could end up the scene stealer then appears in “Speaking Gently” between its bass brilliance and funky drums. Future Islands vocalist Sam Herring adds subtle depth to slow jam “Time Moves Slow” that weighs in like a Marvin Gaye classic.
Just when you think the entirety of IV will rely on slow jams, featured saxophonist Colin Stetson melds together with the rumbling BadBadNotGood group in acid jazz ecstasy for “Confessions Pt. II.” Kaytranada lends his synthesizer and percussive work in the atmospheric “Lavender” tones that hint to a progressively groovy far side. “Chompy’s Paradise" slows right back down amidst syncopated sax breathes and slow walking bass lines.
Title track “IV” crashes through, slows down, stumbles about and picks up again as BadBadNotGood performs their most straight up jazz offering on the record. Mick Jenkins implements hip hop lyrical delivery to the “Hyssop of Love” for an insanely catchy collaboration that would make Kendrick Lamar proud. Acoustic bass lines dance about “Structure No. 3” from hauntingly slow to erratically quick in accompaniment with echoing synth keys.
Charlotte Day Wilson is the perfect addition to “In Your Eyes” in a classy love song long past an era but definitely not out of place. Spastic piano tinkering litters throughout album closer “Cashmere,” only to be further heightened by the background horns.
Upon reading through some initial buzz on the quartet a certain apprehension keeps you wary that between bass, keys, drums and saxophone that there will be little to speak about – which couldn’t be further than the truth. The BadBadGood IV collection while a bit jumbled together offers a range of genres in tracks that pack a punch and leave you wanting more.