Critters Buggin

• Genre: Avant Garde Jazz
• Hometown: Seattle

About

Many artists have attempted jazz/electronica fusions; this Seattle quartet is part of the minority that gets it right. Travelling all over the stylistic map, their output varies from darkly oozing ambiance ("Space Muffla") to thundering percussion showcases ("Burundi"). Brad Houser's throbbing basslines reveal a heavy Dub influence, while saxophonist Skerik proves equally adept at honking Free Jazz licks and breathy, Cool-headed moodiness. The group's use of live electronic effects -- loops, delays, samples, etc. -- lends a spaced-out vibe to much of their work, often bending their instruments beyond recognition and making it tough to tell who's doing what. While the fully improvised performances can reach inevitable dead spots, Critters Buggin ultimately succeed in offering boundary-crossing music that's capable of reaching electronic listeners who dislike jazz, and vice/versa.

- Will York