Labels: Smalltown Supersound
Review by: Chris Bress
For some reason I find Jaga Jazzist intriguing, their blend of jazz and electronics pretty much always hits the spot and it seems that Lars Horntveth, member of the aforementioned group, composes a lot of their music. “Pooka” is an easy-going roller coaster ride of a record with its beautiful brass, seductive strings and of course great guitar lines always employed on Jaga Jazzist records. The cover mounted sticker reads “like Charles Mingus reworked by the Aphex Twin” and that’s not too far off, in fact some of the strings sound exactly like when the Aphex Twin utilizes them, and at times, like Richard James, a little too processed. The drum programming throughout “Pooka” is reminiscent of the quiet thumps that back Mum records, with a shade of Kim Hiorthoy’s easy going chilled electronica. The first track, “Pooka”, is easily my favourite. It’s a beautiful blend of Jazz, strings and post-Tortoise style easy listening that keeps on giving.