YOLO EP VOL. 1

Owane (pseudonym of Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Øyvind Pedersen), in addition to giving this release a terrible title and album cover, has dismissed his own work here as a mere "bootleg EP" of outtakes that weren't supposed to be released. This should really tell you a lot about the quality of his output because YOLO EP VOL. 1 is a rewarding listen that in my eyes proudly stands on the same level as its two full-length predecessors. The standout track on here is "Snow", a Sungazer-like jazz fusion instrumental based on a septuplet ostinato on synthesizer, which serves as the backbone for a track built up out of copious atmospheric synth layers, strange chord sequences, syncopated drums and sensual guitar work. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album: most of the music on this EP sticks to a similar formula, but a darn good formula it is. The last two tracks deviate a bit more, and distinguish themselves further by the presence of vocals and lyrics. The inclusion of "Falling In Love" is especially risqué; while it doesn't necessarily feel out of place within the context of this EP, this is where the Tame Impala-ish psychedelic synth stylization, falsetto vocals and the relative absence of guitar really crosses the line from jazz into pop, which is bound to displease many a jazz purist, but I personally think Pedersen holds his own in this genre quite well. And it's followed by the longest track on the EP, "Hell", which throws the listener right back into the odd rhythms and chords of the modern jazz rock we all know and love, perfectly rounding off this short and sweet experience.