Will Schube can see his imagination.
Sam Gendel could probably use a rest. He was one third of Moses Sumney’s live band for the better part of 2017, and so far this year he’s released an LP and a single, respectively, the latter of which happens to be a screwy take on “Pure Imagination.” Now, LA’s most enigmatic sonic drifter has finished making a record with bassist extraordinaire Sam Wilkes, and the first cut from that collaboration, “BOA,” is a moody interpolation of chamber pop and silky smooth R&B.
Over crisp finger snaps and a growing palate of delicate woodwinds, Wilkes and Gendel groove, eventually expanding into jazz solo territory before trawling through the expanse of beat scene terrain. Their LP is called Music for Saxofone & Bass Guitar, but on “BOA” Wilkes and Gendel don’t limit themselves to the confines of their respective instruments. The programmed drums burst and pop while the vocal manipulations give the track’s latter half a near-tangible texture. Music for Saxofone & Bass Guitar is out June 15th via the always reliable LEAVING Records. In the meantime, Gendel’s discography keeps growing. You better catch up because the hits won’t stop coming.
