'Circadia' by Mammal Hands

'Circadia' - the sixth album from the Norwich-based Mammal Hands - serves as a milestone release for the trio as they usher in their own new era of monumental change.

And it's very much a monumental change that finds its very concept aptly echoed within the album's title: suggesting movement through cycles as opposed to straight lines, the natural cycles of rest, renewal and awakening - a depiction of our own internal clock over a 24 hour period - prove a stark metaphor for where Mammal Hands currently find themselves within their own circadian rhythm...

Pianist Nick Smart and saxophonist Jordan Smart seek to steer the Mammal Hands brand into compelling new directions by inducting former GoGo Penguin drummer, Rob Turner, within the trio's fold.  The move gifts listeners nothing short of a super group pitting minds across two of the UK's most esteemed jazz ensembles with so much shared philosophies and ideals resulting in, needless to say, mouth-watering musical possibilities...

But the cycles of change continue as, following five albums through Matthew Halsall's Gondwana Records, the newly-formed Mammal Hands trio further take the leap towards a new recording home in German label, ACT Music.  Boasting a broad showcase of contemporary jazz luminaries, ACT's prominence continues to build to increasing heights thanks to helming projects by revered names including Bill Laurance, Theo Croker, Emma Rawicz and Shalosh. 

For Mammal Hands, 'Circadia' is a definitive step towards a new stage in the band's evolutionary process and it's a step taken with poise and confidence.  

Six albums over a twelve year period is an exceptional feat by anyone's standards.  And with a touring schedule this year that takes Smart, Turner & Smart to Poland, Germany, Romania, Italy, France, Portugal and across the UK, it's fair to cite Mammal Hands for their inspired and tireless work ethic that continues to appease listeners through each release.

Their insatiable energy naturally finds itself translating across to their music as well – their distinct perspectives on jazz continues to find inspiration across a range of genres and styles as diverse as the unbridled nature of electronica and broken beat to the cinematic scope of classical-inspired composition.

From the dawn of 'Helios' to the dusk of 'Submerge', 'Circadia' navigates an elegant and nuanced narrative that ultimately provides a distinctive jewel amongst the Mammal Hands treasure chest.  'Alia's Abandon' teams with infectious intensity while 'A Thread in the Dark' captures with its warmth and gentle lament. 

Through ACT and the inclusion of Rob Turner, 'Circadia' marks both an ending and a beginning for the newly-realised Mammal Hands trio - an album that contains a deep affection for everything they have achieved up to this point but a project that also lays a definitive mission statement for their next and deeply rich cycle.