Flute, saxophone, drums, harp, and more: what Gustav Horneij achieves on the seventh album from his Organic Pulse Ensemble ranks among the most remarkable accomplishments in contemporary jazz. The Swedish multi-instrumentalist plays every part himself — and on Oppression Is Nine Tenths Of The Law, he creates a vibe that even larger ensembles rarely manage to capture.
Everything interlocks seamlessly: melodies tumble from the saxophone while flutes soar skyward. »Skulder Och Skuldror« skirts the edge of dissonance with almost every measure — and it’s precisely these moments that allow the album to breathe and come alive. The political message also resonates strongly: Horneij positions this record within the tradition of liberating, unifying, and universal music.
Naturally, the press release insists this should not be understood as a mere throwback. Yet attentive listeners will recognize traces and references throughout. At the same time, Oppression Is Nine Tenths Of The Law contains more than enough original ideas: Horneij’s signature shapes every note. There’s a lot packed into this album — but above all, it offers a fascinating, richly layered sound.
