2ND QUAKE stands as a testament to OTOOTO’s ability to craft an immersive sonic experience, inviting listeners into a world where genres blend and boundaries dissolve.
April Records
Jonas Due – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Oilly Wallace – Alto Sax, Flute; Calle Brickman – Keys; Andreas Svendsen – Drums, Percussion; Matthias Petri – Bass; Sofie Birch – Soundscapes, Guitar, Vocals; Henrik Holst Hansen – Shaker (track 1)
2ND QUAKE, the third release from Danish quintet OTOOTO, is a rich exploration of textured soundscapes, blending jazz with indie-pop and shades of ’70s rock, church music, and electronic pioneers like Jean-Michel Jarre and Vangelis.
Trumpeter Jonas Due and saxophonist Oilly Wallace front Otooto, joined by Danish ambient musician Sofie Birch for 2ND QUAKE. Birch, a sound artist whose work merges music, wellness, and visual art, plays the iconic Roland Juno-106 synthesizer from the 1980s, known for its warm analog sound and lush chorus effects. In addition to the synth, she also plays guitar and sings.
Jonas Due picked up the cornet at age five, with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington shaping his early musical world. Over time he drew inspiration from modern trumpet masters Ambrose Akinmusire and Dave Douglas. Known for his clear, beautiful tone, Due brings a lyrical touch to everything he plays.
In addition to his work with Otooto, Oilly Wallace has recorded a couple of albums with his own quartet. He’s also collaborated with notable Danish musicians like pianist Carl Winther and guitarist Johannes Wamberg.
The title track, ‘2nd Quake, ’begins with a shimmering synthesizer that brings an organ-like texture into the mix. Wallace’s gentle alto sax sounds like a bird in flight. Drummer Andreas Svendsen and electric bassist Matthias Petri lay down a driving rhythm, capturing a steady, ’70s rock-inspired groove.
The Roland Juno-106 opens ‘B5 ’with an ethereal, otherworldly tone. Calle Brickman’s delicate keyboard lines drift above, lending a light shimmer as the percussion holds a steady, pleasant rhythm. Midway through, Due enters with a stunning trumpet solo, his tone reminiscent of classical baroque trumpet; pure and unadorned by effects. It’s a beautiful offset to what’s swirling around him.
Birch adds her voice into the electronic textures of ‘Runge.’ It’s a haunting presence that’s both eerie and oddly captivating. It echoes with a kind of vintage horror vibe, like the ghostly melodies from ‘50s horror films. Beneath it all, the percussion adds suspense, mimicking the sound of someone running down a cobblestone street in tap shoes, pausing every dozen steps for a quick tap routine.
‘Silverage ’starts softly, with gentle waves of synthesizer, Due’s trumpet, and a rich booming bass. Due solos with the prettiest crystalline tone. His lines are simple yet perfectly crafted, aligning beautifully with the overall sound of OTOOTO.
‘Endowment’ has fantastic drumming from Henrik Holst Hansen, who starts by deftly striking the edge of his snare before transforming into a rock & roll powerhouse for the remainder of the piece. Wallace shines with impressive alto saxophone work, and the entire band comes together to deliver an epic ending.
2ND QUAKE stands as a testament to OTOOTO’s ability to craft an immersive sonic experience, inviting listeners into a world where genres blend and boundaries dissolve.
