Album Review: Kind Mind from Josh Cole

Album:  Kind Mind
Artist:  Josh Cole
Label:  Cassiar Records
Website:  https://joshcolebass.com/

Multi-instrumentalist and leader Josh Cole delves listeners into an esoteric realm in his recording Kind Mind from Cassiar Records.  Joined by Karen Ng on alto saxophone, clarinet, and synth, Michael Davidson on vibraphone, marimba, and pedals, and additional electronic effects provided by Sandro Perri, the recording brandishes experimental banter and independent responses between the musicians, creating otherworldly impressions on the listener.

The mellow tone in Ng's saxophone driving "The subway" is augmented by the bluesy shimmers of Davidson's vibes, producing a calming, ambient mood.  From there, the recording shifts into irregular metrics through "Talking Makes It Worse" and "Expectations" as chord patterns carve enigmatic shapes and form eccentric improvisations.  Esoteric squeals arc across "Inside" and bellowing chimes echo along "Red Deer," encasing subliminal sounding messages in the ripples of the psychedelic effects.

"A 10 Minute Walk From Here" features waves of bustling voices in the background of the erratic fluctuations, as a ticking rhythmic pulse holds "The Bar" steady in the mist of echoey vibrations and mutable swells.  Twittering effects pipe along "Daughters" while squawking sounds knead into "Over The Bridge."  Noir-type hues and murky shadows blanket the atmosphere of "Tired," and the windstorm-like swirls and incisions clanking and flapping along "Holding Pattern" make a subliminal impression on the listener.  The sounds have a familiar vibe to them like listeners will identify them as elements readily found in everyday surroundings.

Produced by Josh Cole with assistance from Matthew Pencer and Sandro Perri, the recording is imaginative and innovative, finding impetus by walking through the valleys of the subliminal mind.  The musicians interplay has an esoteric quality, making an otherworldly impression on the listener.

Musicians:
Karen Ng - alto saxophone, clarinet, and synth
Michael Davidson - vibraphone, marimba, and pedals
Josh Cole - double bass, sampler/field recordings, pedals, and synth Sandro Perri - additional electronics
Joe Strutt - field recording on "Holding Pattern"