Spinifex - Undrilling The Hole (2024)

**Spinifex** might make you think of something else entirely, but make no mistake: this is a Dutch jazz-fusion group that pulls you unabashedly into its world. The question arises—can one be both a drummer and an astrophysicist? The answer is yes, as Spinifex will swiftly convince you. Philipp Moser is recognized for his work with the Dutch progressive metal band Cilice. Guitarist Jasper Stadhouders sets the tone in Amsterdam and Berlin’s underground scenes, while Portuguese bassist Gonçalo Almeida, based in Rotterdam, effortlessly shifts from a beautifully rounded tone to heavy, electric distortion. Tenor saxophonist John Dikeman captivates audiences, often playing with his trio alongside William Parker and Hamid Drake. Trumpet maestro Bart Maris has been a unique voice in European improvised music for decades, and alto saxophonist Tobias Klein, the driving force behind the group, is also known as a bass clarinetist and composer.

This is not jazz for everyone; the aesthetic here draws heavily from deeper, rawer influences. Each musician contributes to a rugged, industrial sound that avoids any deliberate aesthetic appeal, compelling listeners to confront the music directly, much as one might feel when listening deeply to oneself.

“What’s exciting—and impressive—about Spinifex’s music is how the band absorbs and synthesizes various influences (jazz, punk, metal, Indian music, and more) to create something beyond a mere fusion of styles… If you haven’t listened to Spinifex yet, now is the perfect time to dive in.” — Eric McDowell, Free Jazz Collective

This is the talent of this group, though these are works better appreciated live than on CD; listening through speakers can quickly reach the limit of what one might bear, where live performances would offer the full dimension of these jubilant improvisations. Their influences extend beyond metal, touching on the repetitive music of Philip Glass, adding a unique rhythmic quality to this album.