Perihelion
Perihelion sounds remarkably cheerful for music in which so much happens at once. Sungazer combines jazz, electronic production and uneven rhythms with melodies and grooves that usually remain easy to follow. Adam Neely and Shawn Crowder give their technical ideas a clear purpose: making the songs livelier while keeping the pleasure of playing audible.
Threshold immediately brings different sounds together. Deep electronic accents and busy percussion make way for a lighter piano movement. The transition gives the piece room to change character. The precise production keeps the separate elements clear.
On All These People, processed voices become part of the rhythm. Small cuts and repetitions reshape the melody. The result is direct enough to offer more than a technical experiment. Production plays a prominent role, but also contributes something useful to the song.
Days into Nights takes more time and keeps the movement quieter, giving the record a welcome contrast. Thicc pulls the music towards funk and disco with a looser, playful character. These differences help the many styles find their place within the same album.
Not every electronic development is equally convincing. Around the middle, some polished sounds and stylistic detours take up considerable space, briefly weakening the sense of unity. The clear production still makes the separate performances easy to follow.
Even so, Perihelion is mainly an approachable and curious record. Sungazer makes listening easier than its complicated rhythms might suggest. Strong grooves, clear sound and changing arrangements leave plenty to follow. That makes the album appealing for anyone interested in hearing jazz fusion move beyond familiar instrumental forms while retaining a clear melodic purpose.
