Spectrum isn’t like any other instrumental album I’ve ever come across. The eclectic record from freelance trumpet player Aaron Janik is an ode to the instrument itself, outlining just how multi-faceted it can be. Not shackling himself to conventional expectations of where and when the trumpet needs to be placed, Janik brings to life a whole host of different genres all anchored in an instrument where they normally serve as supplementary rather than centrally. He is the protagonist and his trumpet is the usher, a wonderfully exquisite and lengthy endeavour that doesn’t compromise length for any semblance of ease. On the opening of ‘Fab Lyfe’ itself, you’re exposed to an ambitiously luscious production environment littered with lo-fi sonic elements all anchored in place by a driving trumpet that will soon become the singular wheel that steers the album together.
It’s in the diversity and palatial feeling of Spectrum that Janik is able to hit such a recognisable zenith. When the songs are so unabashedly maximised, loaded with so many distinctive elements that throw minimalism out the window for just overwhelming instrumental envelopment, Spectrum becomes marvellous. Personal favourites for me come towards the latter half of the record, with ‘Sedate’ being a particularly noteworthy piece. The dreamlike, effervescent beat builds to a more atmospheric tension that is then commandeered by Janik’s beautifully emotive dexterity on the trumpet. When the drum starts to kick in, the song hits a new high, pulsating purposefully till your left tapping feet uncontrollably trying to collect the whole host of elements thrown across your ears.
An album that’s wonderfully easy to listen to, and even easier to fall in love with. Janik just makes every song so scattered with elements to enjoy that there’s never a dull moment to had. It’s unrelenting in its experimentation, ambitious in its scale, and incredulously imaginative in the sheer gambit of genres that he interjects and turns on their head with his trumpet. A bit of rock, jazz, hip-hop, and a whole lot more all packaged in an hour long journey to bask in.