Jet Chamber – Jet Chamber IV

Something of a shock, a pleasant shock, mind you. The first track is indeed Jazzy, with guitar runs recalling the era of fusion and John McLaughlin, and pitch-shifting keyboard notes that evoke summer heat hazes. Although i buy Fax records for the ambient, this breaks the mould in a good way, and i think it will stand the test of time. Too much Namlook has Pete 'improvising' with sets of bleeping ostinatos that sound like cheap FX. Here with Atom Heart nudging him there is real musical development. The remaining two tracks are worth your time, money and ear too.

only heard once-first track went in the reycle bin-i cant get away with the guitar noodles-next 2 trax are decent though.

This 4th instalment of the JC series maintains the many of the signature advanced sounds and elements associated with JC albums I,II, and more of III; yet still remains different enough to stand on its own. A album I dismissed when originally released almost 20yrs ago, until now! A recent re-listen in 2017 I now hear a unique, forward thinking, sophisticated fusion style of electronic tech music that has now changed my view on this album for the better. A album where the true beauty and depth might not be observed at first, esp as it unfairly gets judged esp against the excellent and well received JCIII.

IV is an interesting fusion of experimental Hi-Tech IDM-Jazztonic, Guitar, and Ambient that feels like a jamming session between smart humans and smart AI computers delivering a cocktail mix of sophisticated music. IV's mix use of genre across Idm/Techno, digitized Glitch and bleeps, computerised Breaks/Drum n Bass, synth Ambient and some cool use of Jazzy guitar solos which when used bring a calming warm breezy uplifting touch to the electronics. The music on IV is multilayered, diverse that flows with complex formulas and arrangements delivered with mathematical algorithms and precision that build momentum and technique's with a mix of fragmented to flowing percussion that can be part abstract, part rhythmic while also blending exploration meanderings which swirl in-between different elements of various tech genre used bringing a cocktail of sonic experimental-ism, mellowing moods, futuristic funk-jazz and solo jazzy guitar play; and also that JC immersive ambient. Tracks 1 is a mix of deeper moments but flows with feel-good laid back tech funk feel which both deep and funk moments are wonderfully integrated together into one experimental track with a semi-freestyle formula of funk technology and soulful breezy guitar music. Track 2 at 22:05 mins, a lengthy track, is divided into to halves, starting of with a dark drone isolating ambient feel, which then at around 9m:30secs, evolves into a futuristic experimental ism using various tech genres, with added Glitch too, and also inserting cool moments of heartwarming solo guitar that makes track 2 the most experimental and leftfield track of the album! Throughout both Namlook/Atom Tm bring their unique skills changing and evolving the directions moods and pace of both tracks 1&2 with cool ideas that bring funk, soulfulness, and even weirdness to the music that might not be appreciated at first - but do give it a few listens! Track 3 slows things down to a an almost beatless style of ambient even though a faint bass loop like rhythm can be heard repeating in the background of the synth ambient that brings a slow calming mood with a gentle soothing ending to this otherwise diverse hi-tech soul-funk experimental captivating interesting album.

JCVI is a strong release, underrated, but with plenty of strong qualities that fit well, while also being different, to the excellent Jet Chamber album series.. A quality album of its own that does excel with each listen!