After becoming one of the most exciting new prospects around for their bold, fearless melding of sounds in recent months, London-Brighton four-piece ILLAJ have revealed their latest single, "BTW," which once again further displays exactly how they gained this title. Rooted in Alternative Rock and fused with Jazz Fusion's organic form of improvisation, coupled with a touch of Soul, R&B, and Free Jazz, "BTW" takes the shape of a more musical journey than simply being considered just another single.
The set feels alive and organic, notably swayed by the warmth of Anita Baker, the adventurous spirit of Butcher Brown, and Erykah Badu's laid-back depth. The singing adds a tuneful touch to the complex arrangement. The lyrics are delivered so sincerely, though, that they act as a grounding line to this track, despite the band's eccentric dance in spicy rhythm changes and bursts of improvisation.
"BTW" is both familiar and explorative, reverential to soul-influenced jazz while setting its own modern footprint. One of ILLAJOY's striking abilities is their balance of precision and freedom. They never lose grasp of the composition, even in its most avant-garde moments. The combination of styles serves a thematic role, exploring themes related to the circle of connectivity and introspection, with a fluid expression.
"BTW" showcases a band that isn't afraid of depth, nuance, and complexity. This song has layers, and the more you listen to it, the more new ones are continually revealed. On this latest release, ILLAJOY reaffirms the fact that they are the kind of artists who will always pay homage to their influences, but in doing so, forge an energetically compelling music identity.
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