Gorgeous, gleaming jazz licks and kicks burst out of the incurably optimistic “New Perspective” with hope running through Steve Smith and Vital Information’s creation. The chops on display are undoubtedly impressive. From the shimmering chords to the gentle brushstrokes on the drums, there’s something quite elegant going on. Beyond the apparent jazz origins, they incorporate dreamier textures, going for full-on psychedelic in certain moments. Keeping things unexpected is what they do, and the long durations of the tracks help to give this living, breathing quality to the work, one that feels particularly well-earned.
Not a moment is wasted on the beautiful bloom of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” where they let themselves loose, hinting at the interplay that is a hallmark of the journey. “The Perfect Date” sculpts a gorgeous, funky groove centered around an incredible rhythm section, with the keyboards playing and wandering through the addictive hook. Melodies gracefully hover above the hyperactivity of “Charukeshi Express,” with scatting adding to the feral energy. On “Open Arms,” they slow things down, giving some breathing room and showing a subtler side of their expertise. Going hard is the driving pulse of “Eight + Five,” with the piece unfurling gracefully. “Three Of A Kind” has a crystal clarity that rolls through, lending the track a degree of muscle. Excellent usage of distortion and effect pedals gives “Josef The Alchemist” a tripped-out, acidic tinge, ending things on a high note.
Steve Smith and Vital Information go for the gleeful on the shiny kaleidoscopic array of colors on “New Perspective.”
