RedazioneZack Clarke’s latest album, Plunge, is a bold exploration of sonic boundaries, seamlessly weaving together threads of electro, IDM, acid jazz, and funk into a cohesive, futuristic tapestry. With a rich background in avant-garde jazz and a reputation for pushing the envelope, Clarke continues to challenge conventional genre distinctions with this album. The result is a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is rhythmically captivating, a feat that will resonate with both aficionados of experimental jazz and fans of electronic music alike.
At its core, Plunge is an album that thrives on its rhythmic complexity and inventive use of basslines. Tracks like “Alternativefacts” and “UNIT” feature bewilderingly intricate rhythms, yet Clarke manages to ground these complexities with funky, relatable beats. The rhythms, while often complex and unpredictable, never lose their sense of groove, making the album accessible despite its avant-garde leanings. This rhythmic foundation is where the album truly shines, with Clarke’s deft handling of time signatures and syncopation creating a dynamic, almost conversational interplay between the various elements at play.
The basslines on Plunge deserve special attention, serving as the glue that holds the album’s diverse influences together. Tracks like “Mighty” and “Grahmcrackers” showcase basslines that are both driving and melodic, often acting as the anchor around which the more abstract elements of the compositions orbit. Clarke’s use of bass is reminiscent of early Warp Records artists like Squarepusher, blending the aggressive precision of IDM with the fluidity and warmth of jazz. This combination gives the album a unique energy, propelling it forward while maintaining a deep, resonant groove.
Atmospherically, Plunge is a masterclass in creating mood and texture. The album’s harmonic palette is wide open, often eschewing traditional tonal centers in favor of more ambiguous, open-ended harmonies. Yet, within this framework, Clarke manages to craft infectious melodies that linger long after the music has stopped. Tracks like “Highpoint” and “INSPOMID” exemplify this approach, blending lush, electronic soundscapes with jazz-influenced melodic lines to create an immersive listening experience. The atmosphere throughout Plunge is one of exploration and discovery, with each track offering a new sonic landscape to traverse.
What sets Plunge apart is its ability to bridge the gap between jazz and modern electronic music without feeling forced or contrived. Clarke’s background as a pianist and composer in the avant-garde jazz scene is evident in his harmonic choices and improvisational approach, but it’s his embrace of modern production techniques that truly elevates the album. By incorporating elements of EDM, rock, and hip hop, Clarke has crafted a sound that is both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in tradition. This is perhaps best exemplified on tracks like “LOONS” and “Anthem,” where jazz improvisation meets the precision of electronic music production in a way that feels entirely organic.
In conclusion, Plunge is an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers and connections with each spin. Zack Clarke has delivered a work that is not only a testament to his skills as a musician and composer but also a bold statement about the future of jazz and electronic music. This is an album that will appeal to fans of artists as diverse as Pat Metheny, Frank Zappa, Flying Lotus, and Amon Tobin, and one that we are thrilled to feature on our webzine. Plunge is more than just an album; it’s a journey into the possibilities of sound, rhythm, and melody, and one that is not to be missed.
