Small Medium Large, the debut album by SML, released under the International Anthem label, is a remarkable journey through the realms of experimental jazz. The quintet, consisting of bassist Anna Butterss, synthesist Jeremiah Chiu, saxophonist Josh Johnson, percussionist Booker Stardrum, and guitarist Gregory Uhlmann, has produced an album that is both innovative and deeply engaging. The album’s foundation lies in extensive improvisations recorded during two separate sessions at the now-closed Highland Park venue ETA, a key location in Los Angeles’s jazz scene. These recordings were meticulously edited and refined in the musicians’ home studios, resulting in a polished and cohesive collection of tracks.
“Industry,” the album’s lead single, exemplifies SML’s ability to blend different musical styles. It features a compelling mix of electro-trance rhythms, synthesizer loops, and a powerful breakbeat groove, creating an immersive and energetic listening experience. The track’s drum machine and distorted saxophone leads add layers of complexity and intensity. “Three Over Steel,” another standout track, combines bright synth pulses, guitar skronk, and staticky ambiance. The music’s dynamic and fluctuating nature is visually represented in its animated video, capturing the track’s wild and lively essence.
The album also includes tracks like “Search Bar Hi Hat,” which transitions from ambient textures to a more bright and funky rhythm, showcasing the band’s versatility. Shorter pieces such as “Switchboard Operations” and “Chasing Brain” offer bursts of creativity with their unique sonic elements—ranging from staccato percussive notes interlaced with rapid saxophone lines to restless, cicada-like electronic sounds. “Feed the Birds” continues the album’s innovative spirit with its free-form jam, highlighting the band’s collective joy in exploring new musical territories. The track’s intense composition and excellent rhythm make it a memorable and standout piece.
Small Medium Large draws influences from various genres, including experimental jazz, electronic, funk and dub techno, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. SML’s debut album is a delightful and awe-inspiring experience, further cementing International Anthem’s reputation for producing progressive and groundbreaking music. Small Medium Large is a must-listen for fans of experimental and improvised music. It showcases the quintet’s remarkable synergy and individual talents, making it an album that listeners will eagerly revisit.
