BBNG

– Released: May 30, 2014

BADBADNOTGOOD are the antithesis of your classic YouTube made celebrities. They made their break in 2011 when the three uploaded a jazz medley cover of OFWGKTA tracks for a University assignment. Unlike Rebecca Black and the like, these guys actually knew what they’re doing, and they had a terrifying pig mask; the cover was quickly picked up by Tyler, the Creator, and the young Canadians were launched into underground stardom. Three years later the band have released their third album, creatively titled III, and, unlike their previous efforts BBNG and BBNG2, III is made up entirely of original compositions. Rather than being a interspersed with jazz re-imaginings of modern classics, from J Dilla to Zelda, James Blake to Joy Division, all original tracks reflects the ambition and self-confidence BBNG have clearly been developing over the past year, producing tracks for game leading acts like the Wu-Tang Clan and Danny Brown.

Along with the entirely original material, the band has pushed their sound in new directions. They delve into the world of trap, a style rapidly gaining momentum in the hip-hop scene, and do so to great success with tracks like singles ‘Can’t Leave the Night’ and ‘CS60’. Trap translates surprisingly well to a live band setting, and the groups audible enthusiasm and sheer musicianship generate a captivating energy. Another change of style is seen on the eighth track, ‘Since You Asked Kindly’, which borders on well executed novelty ear-worm electronica. Like a cut from an old nintendo game that bounces around your head in a loop, toeing the line between fun and irritating, ‘Since You Asked Kindly’ has that sound you quickly tire of, but you kind of miss when it ends. Perhaps in that it’s best to give the band benefit of the doubt.

All that’s not to say there are no signature BBNG jazz-hop tunes on here, like ‘Triangle’, the opener which pops in your ears with a strange contrast of dark and light dark generating a sort of sinister optimism, or ‘Confessions’ which features saxophonist collaborator Leland Whitty laying down sexy, smooth grooves and a tasty solo.

The group have openly denounced archaic jazz traditions and ‘standards’, with their first album even closing on a note from drummer, Alex Sowinski, saying “Fuck that shit, everyone’s played it, it’s fifty years old. Write a new song… That’s what I think about jazz.” Subsequently it comes as some surprise when they change the mood on track 7, ’Differently, Still’, to some of the mellowest lounge jazz to ever linger gently in human ears. However, while it’s a shock, it just to goes show the full extent of their innovation and creativity and the diversity of their skill, and it goes to prove their point about standards in jazz. If a group of hip-hop heads, barely out of their teens can write a new lounge jazz piece, why are we still hearing renditions of ‘Autumn Leaves’?

Given it was preceded by two near perfect albums, III had a lot to live up to and, while it didn’t outshine their previous efforts, it didn’t fall short either. At around 50 minutes in length, III is hearty and, given the depth and complexity of each track, a full listen-through requires a great deal of concentration; instead each of the compositions are best listened to on their individually, with intent. Either way, no matter how you look at it it’s clear that BBNG aren’t going anywhere but up in their travels along the paths of funk and rhythm… Good, good, not bad.

Highly Recommended (but not for everyone) – 8.4/10

Phillip Leason