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EN2 :: 11.02.04 :: CT Peppers :: Indianapolis, IN
EN2 |
Since late May, Indianapolis' EN2 (pronounced "into") has been touring the Midwest in support of their first album, a trance-funk-fusion treasure entitled Right the Long End. On Tuesday, November 2, the trio found themselves in their hometown for a show at CT Peppers in Broadripple dubbed "The Particle Afterparty."
If you haven't caught this act yet, they're a real find. They stretch out dance infused interpretations of jazz standards, oftentimes improvising live house jams over entire sets. And, with a well stocked arsenal of original compositions drawing from Latin, trance, funk, modal jazz, free improvisation, and even a hint of drum 'n' bass, EN2 is gaining momentum at an extraordinary pace.
It's hard to pinpoint the experience and describe the sounds with just a few words. Like an organ trio, the band has no bassist, so the guitar is the first point of entrance and draws you in to their free-form funk. Since their early days together, the band has never discussed how they will begin a show. That kind of improvisation can set them up for a potential fall, but it also presents them with incredible possibilities. Either way, everybody is in for a surprise, and EN2 always delivers.
EN2 with Steve Molitz :: 11.02 :: Indianapolis |
This night featured two new compositions. The first, by guitarist Robert Coates, was entitled "A Place to Stay," an odd metered jungle/jazz piece that featured Coates' inventive guitar. The song somehow managed to avoid the typical drum 'n' bass sound and was able to supplement it with tight melodic and harmonic form. Consistent with their high-energy dance style, this tune pulled the audience in and was able to erase the perception of time. The other new piece, "Squatter's Rights," had a peculiar groove as the band layered jazz improvisation over drummer Vincent Jackson's funky backbeat. With such a huge arsenal of styles and vibes, EN2 never got stale, and seemingly have something to offer everyone.
Before the night was over, a flood of people came in from next door as the Particle show let out. As the room came alive Steve Molitz (keys, Particle) stood onstage behind Joel Crabtree (keys, EN2). Joel disappeared offstage while Steve and Robert bounced ideas back and forth between the guitar and keys. Then, just as the groove arrived, Joel resurfaces for a 20-minute jam, with Steve and Joel playing musical chairs around the five keyboards onstage. It was an intense musical highlight of the evening; clearly EN2 and Particle share a common thread. If you enjoy the space-trance, dance beats that are emerging in the jam scene today, then do your best get into EN2.
Nathan Romero
JamBase | Indianapolis
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