Arjun

Core

2015-05-20

Arjun is an instrumental trio from New York formed in 2003, consisting of Eddie Arjun Peters (g), Lamar Myers (d) and Andre Lyles (b). As the name of the band suggests, the songs seem to have Myers and Lyles' solid rhythms orbit around Peters' lyrical guitar; creating beautiful, well balanced jazz rock that would go very well in a Sci-fi spaghetti western (you know, like Joss Whedon's Firefly). This does not mean that the rhythm section keeps it low-key throughout the album: Lyles shows off with a bit of funky slaps at the beginning of Lavalust and Myers demonstrates some subtle virtuosity in Rocks, Deep Impact, and Within You. The highlight of the album is the title track, which features MMW's John Medeski on organ. Medeski's contribution is naturally sublime, so much so that I felt there could be more organ throughout the album and not just that one song. However, Peters demonstrates a very delicate, lyrical quality to his guitar playing; never really going rough or fuzzy, always a clean, crisp tone soaring high above the firm rhythm foundation laid out by Myers and Lyles. Arjun's Core threatens to go loud, but never really gets loud, it is a delicate balance of all its parts, a subtle nudge here and there, and before you know it, a planet is built.

review by Ernesto

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