ONE-ARMED BANDIT

After my disappointment with A Livingroom Hush I hadn't planned to revisit further Jaga Jazzist albums, but their 2003 corporation with Motorpsycho and the quality of the songs that I streamed from this album had fired my interest again.

One-Armed Bandit is a great example that bright, accessible and harmonious music can still be fresh and interesting. Without resorting to pop sentimentalism, the band has crafted some delicate poppy jazz instrumentals here. There's often a modern electronic twist to the sound which provides for an original sound. The spirit of Philip Glass is present on plenty of occasions, most notably on Toccata, an inspired and well performed composition. It's one of my many favorites together with the dead-catchy title track, the dreamy Banafluer Overalt and the electronic bit Music! Dance! Drama!.

A good decade ago, Sweden was a melting pot of Prog creativity, but now it looks as if Norway has taken the lead, not only in metal but also in jazz. One-Armed Bandit is one from many strong Norwegian 2010 releases. 3.5 stars