Milton Man Gogh’s new record, The Great Reset – a complex mix of hard-hitting experimental jazz.
As finalists for the 2020 Queensland Music Awards, Milton Man Gogh are riding high on their third album, The Great Reset. The lessons learned on composition are simple, but effective: “Just be open about what we like, take yourself out of the pond and observe these other completely different genres moving and working” ponders begins woodwind instrumentalist Andrew Saragossi.
Although the record takes influence from Kneebody, Zu, later Ornette Coleman and Bon Iver, The Great Reset bears little resemblance to these artists. Rather, the flutter and snap of compositions on The Great Reset puts Milton Man Gogh at the precipice of jazz, technical metal and genres far beyond.
“This album is like a reunion of sorts – considering we haven’t been in the same country for a couple of years.” says Saragossi. ”It’s the first time we’ve recorded something and not had an idea of when or how it would be released, which has been a bit of a different process. It was quite relaxing to just rehearse and go in without the extra pressure of an upcoming release cycle or tour we’ve booked in for ourselves and It’s been a bit of a rediscovery and redevelopment of the style we have cultivated.”
On another level, we have always been working on playing with even more freedom and expression over the curveballs we write for ourselves, and we are getting to a point where we are beginning to finish each other’s sentences, musically and socially We think this is what made the recording process in November of last year quite relaxed (by our standards!).”
As the first single off The Great Reset, 3 Action Formula perfectly captures the unpredictability of the record, leaving listeners to savour in every little moment. Flooding basslines, skittering drums, and saxophone that peeks coyly over the composition, 3 Action Formula is a colourful, offbeat, and chaotic track. Every step closer to the finish line becomes heavier and heavier – the song ripping out distorted and pulverising basslines, fevered drumming and interjecting saxophone. The track ends with something akin to a free-form jazz beat-down – the instrumentals clashing with a pause and punish rarely found outside boiling mosh pits.
“3 Action Formula was written by Benny (although I don’t think I have to tell any of our listeners that),” continues Saragossi. “Ben told us that he thought of the title in the shower looking at a shampoo bottle. I did a bit of googling and I can confirm that the shampoo brand in question is, in fact, Head and Shoulders. Benny wrote this in 2018/2019 as an aural guide to getting shit done. We also laughed about a song about being a functioning mortal, which was nice.”
Once again working with Cody McWaters for mixing and mastering, the crisp quality on The Great Reset shows a Milton Man Gogh appearing everywhere at once – providing jazz structured in dreamlike abstract but with an oh-too-physical delivery. Beyond this, the band’s imprint in the music sphere continues to expand. Saragossi is a recent nominee for an APRA award, with drummer Benjamin Shannon and bassist Zac Sakrewski working on countless side projects, much like Saragossi himself (Düt, Kodiak Empire, June Cartel and SHAMIN to name a few). Again, Chloe McAlister provides her talents towards the band’s unique artwork. Tour plans are set to happen ‘as soon as possible’ – be prepared for one of Australia’s most enigmatic jazz trios once COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
Milton Man Gogh’s new album is out now via Art As Catharsis.
