Trichotomy – The Gentle War

Have the corkscrew handy to crack open that bottle of velvety smooth Australian Merlot while Trichotomy’s style of avant-garde Jazz fills the room with their latest effort The Gentle War. Australia is not exactly known for their Jazz legends, but the maturity and complexity of the album is proof that Aussies can not only play, but innovate the genre. The title of the album is perhaps an indication of the style or direction one can expect as the trio wage a modest attack on traditional methods, yet stick to simplicity. As their name implies, Trichotomy chose to focus exclusively on their own instruments; a departure from their previous successful release Variations which at times featured horns and strings. The piano, drums and upright bass are all that’s left to carry the load resulting in a listening experience that feels focused and refined.

The Gentle War is the fourth release and it is clear the band has a cultivated sense of musicianship creating pieces that are tight and sophisticated. At times it sounds as if Trichotomy is abound in random chaos only to form and reform into recognisable beauty. They can be soft and abrupt in the same musical stanza. They can also push the edges of contemporary Jazz by infusing hard rock motifs seemingly robbing the purity of the genre… but if you don’t like it, ‘Shut Up’, or at least listen to the track and relish in the way darkness and light come together in a musical intensity not normally associated with Jazz. Of course the trio can switch canvases and offer light-hearted occasions as evidenced by the opening minute in ‘Cute’. Not content to stay in one place too long, the song soon veers off like a car might on a snowy highway only to gather control at the last instant. Cuteness never sounded so bold and beautiful, and the original motif is reintroduced towards the finale giving a sense of completion to the track.

The whirlwind tour of the badlands of Jazz finishes with what is perhaps a good slogan when playing this record. ‘Not According to Plan’ is a darker, slower, affair perfect for reflection and squeezing out the last few drops of the Shiraz, or was it Merlot. It doesn’t matter at this point, as your taste buds are happy to relax in the serenity of the last one while you contemplate the album as a whole. From pop driven musings to traditional contemporary Jazz inspired pieces, it is clear that the decision to stay true to the conventions of a trio has paid off. The album is musically rich and will cater to the trained ear all the while being accessible to the neophyte. The Gentle War serves as a perfect backdrop to your evenings or as focused exercise of pure appreciation.