Natural Information Society & Bitchin Bajas

For the second time in ten years Bitchin Bajas and Natural Information Society cross paths for a record that delves into the far reaches of space and time; a deep, cosmic convergence that pulls the listener into mirrored halls, unfolding reflection upon reflection of dark groove doused in spiritual jazz. Totality finds both bands at their peak, exploring each half’s expertise and smelting their sounds into something singular. Since their last link up, the Bajas have continued down fogged rabbit holes of drone, threading through New Age and ambient outcroppings without becoming hung up in either. NIS on the other hand have pushed the boundaries of exploratory jazz, wrangling rhythm and repetition into hypnotic shapes.

As they approach the altar once more for Totality, the bands don’t dilute their respective roles, but rather arrive at an alchemical formula that lays rhythm at the base of their brew. The hypnotic thrum of Abrams’ bass and guimbri urge the listener into caverns carved by Lisa Alvarado’s harmonium and Mikel Patrick Avery’s percussive patter. The caves glitter with light from Rob Frye’s flutes and Jason Stein’s bass clarinet. Totality taps into something otherworldly, the kind of cosmic call that draws visitors from across the reaches of space, a beacon in the darkness reverberating on irradiated waves. It’s been a long wait, but ten years on the collaboration proves more fruitful than ever, a certified classic and companion to the foundations laid down on Automaginary.