Music collective, #Bloomerangs, is thrilled to share their new sophomore LP, Moments and Fragments, via Instru Dash Mental Records. The music collective is made up of Stefan Lenthe (bass), Clay Wulbrecht (piano/keys/melodica), Chris Parker (drums/percussion), and Rodrigo Cotelo (guitars/banjo).
The album kicks off with the song “Home”, a piano-focused track that allows the piano to shine as the guitar slowly creeps its way into the song. Between the melodic piano and the jazz guitar, the song’s dynamics swerve and bend to create a beautiful piano-based song. I love the calmness of the song and how each instrument shares the spotlight.
The album actually features two songs from the semi-finalist selections at the International Songwriting Competition (Jazz category), “In Some Shape or Form” and “S Mitchell St”.
“Leaps and Bounds” is a thrilling, energetic piece that features high energy dynamics and instrumentation from the keys, jazz guitar, to the piano. The bass isn’t as prominent in this song, but I love hearing how it influences the other instruments.
On “In Some Shape or Form”, the track opens will this rhythmic guitar and sultry jazz guitar, as the piano provides a partial backbone throughout the song. The dynamics of the song really allow for different sections of the song to stand out. At a running time of 8:24, the song is a bit lengthy, but the song itself is just effortless. The players make it sound so simple and easy to create such a dynamic song with terrific instrumentation. I can see why this song made it to the semi-finals at the International Songwriting Competition.
The track “Untold” is this short ditty with a catchy rhythm and terrific piano. It never loses strength as it just barrels through to the end. When I say short, it’s a quick little track at 1:57, but still maintains all the energy from the beginning of the record, and continues it on through the end.
“Another Melancholy Waltz” changes the energy a bit; it’s less in-your-face and a little more soothing, yet haunting at the same time. Yet again, the piano sounds crisp.
I love how “S Mitchell St” begins with the piano-based melody, then slowly adds percussion and keys. It has a funky vibe to it. The funkiness continues as the guitarist plays some rhythmic jazz guitar. Throughout the 7:25 running time, it almost seems like there are multiple songs within one song.
The song “Change of Pace” isn’t kidding — it’s a beautiful change of pace from the other tracks on the record. It seriously is a beautiful chaotic mess of incredibly talented musicians delivering a complicated song.
Overall, #Bloomerangs was so much more than what I was expecting. Their music challenges the norm and delivers contemporary jazz blended with elements of rock, pop, new age, etc., into a sound that is all their own.
