The experimental Brussels outfit Bandler Ching has been making waves on the Belgian underground scene and throughout Europe for some time now, and it’s not hard to see why. They play with a vast array of elements, from fluid jazzy bass and expressive sax work to harsh, industrial-tinged techno beats, glitchy electronica, and hip-hop breaks. Their sonic world is one of ever-shifting possibilities—pushing and pulling the listener between moments of calm, danceable grooves, and deeply experimental, at times aggressive, electronics. Mercurial is an intoxicating, woozy, and sometimes disorienting listen—in the best possible way!
Album opener »P’tit Île« matches soothing washes of synth with detailed electronic percussion before live jazzy drumming enters the mix, accompanied by floating sax work. The track shifts significantly with the addition of a pounding techno beat. It’s one of the many impeccable switch-ups on »Mercurial« that demonstrate the band’s creative flair and wide-ranging ability. Elsewhere, Mochi serves up wonky, acid-inflected bass with a steady drum groove and dreamy synths before one of the most ear-grabbing sax performances of the set comes in towards the end of the cut. »Long Last Love« is a highlight among many, with its fusion of expressive live jazz instrumentation and processed electronic touches. Throughout the album, Bandler Ching delivers surprise after surprise, creating a record that suits its name to a tee. It’s a multifaceted set with layer upon layer of detail for the listener to uncover.
Mercurial
