Following Orrin Evans's departure in 2021, they evolved into a quartet later that year, adding saxophonist Chris Speed and guitarist Ben Monder - a significant shift away from their piano-centric format. After touring the U.S. and Europe with this new configuration, they return with Complex Emotions, an album of all-original compositions, with each member contributing to the writing. While The Bad Plus have long embraced song structures in their music, this release occasionally opts for a surprisingly raw sound, loosening the grip on their earlier frameworks.

Across the span of the album, the members' understanding of one another feels almost telepathic. Their ability to navigate between turbulent and calm sections is exemplified in the opening track, 'Grid/Ocean' a delicate, meandering piece that carefully builds to climactic crescendos. Ben Monder’s grunge-influenced guitar sound is unleashed in a fiery solo on 'French Horns' showcasing his expansive sonic palette, harmonic complexity, and lyrical phrasing. His understated yet innovative approach blends ideas from various genres, opening new doors for the band to explore - a continuous theme throughout Complex Emotions. 

'Carrier' adopts a reflective mood, with a floating tenor melody interjected by King’s stuttering drum hits. In contrast, 'Cupcakes One' channels a vibrant rock influence, blending saxophone and guitar in a unified sound, confidently supported by the rhythm section, which enhances the melodic contour of its simple theme.

Driving the momentum in the jazz-rock track 'Deep Water Sharks' is Anderson’s relentless bassline, which anchors a more rigid song structure. Despite this, the piece offers space for Chris Speed’s soloistic tendencies in the midsection, balancing collective aggression with a controlled, dynamic flow. Speed’s composition 'Tyrone’s Flamingo' provides a mellow respite, featuring lyrical writing and saxophone playing that transition seamlessly into more technically demanding solos, all while maintaining an intuitive sense of interplay.

The closing track, 'Li Po' caps off the album with perhaps its most exploratory and experimental piece. A sonic soundscape unfolds through Monder’s fluttering guitar lines and King’s cymbal washes before spiraling into a dark, jagged conclusion. As the longest track on the album, it serves as a platform for expansive improvisation, hinting at a new direction for The Bad Plus and suggesting untapped creative possibilities.

Compositionally, Complex Emotions marks a significant departure from The Bad Plus’s earlier work. While their past albums often adhered to conventional song structures, this release ventures into unshackled, more experimental territory, allowing for greater musical freedom. This reimagined quartet defies easy categorisation, transcending their former trio identity and the conventional “jazz group” label. The album showcases a tighter, groove-oriented sound with a dramatically expanded sonic palette. The band skillfully balances collective cohesion with individual expression, allowing each musician’s unique voice to shine while remaining true to the compositions. This musical democracy proves even more effective here, surpassing the already impressive achievements of their eponymous 2022 debut as a quartet.

Dan Spirrett

from www.prestomusic.com