Alistair Martin - Oblivion

Cat. no: UTR4949
Format: CD
Barcode: 764114799495
Release Date: 9th July 2021
Genre: Jazz

Musically, the album is influenced by electronic and rap music, in particular, the works of James Blake and Kanye West.

This is most apparent in the structures of the tracks and the inclusion of interludes. The interludes are completely improvised, and stylistically polarising to the surrounding tracks.

Their cinematic feel works as a pallet cleanser, before reuniting the listener with Oblivion’s organic sound. Contrast and polarisation is a theme explored throughout the album, with many sudden tempo changes and structural experimentation. The music’s main focus remains on the overall effect, as opposed to the components. Because of this, the players had great freedom and responsibility to shape the music.

Alistair’s band is made up of some of the UK’s best, young musicians and he shows an innate ability to get the most out of them. Solos are specific to each context, by being given a singular purpose, such as creating contrast or impact. There is also symbolism laced within the album, for example, with ‘Hype’ lasting 30 seconds, and the inward looking ‘A.M’. Oblivion is a unique album which guarantees to take the listener on a journey.

Tracks: Regression / Oblivion / Interlude I / Divergence / W10 / Alegria / Interlude II / Summer Years / Dystopia / Bird Or Beast? / Interlude III / Twisted Fiction / A Fool’s Paradise / True Cost / Interlude IV / Through The Mire / The Ladder / Distraction / Interlude V / A.M / Hype / Finale