SML – Three Over Steel

SML’s “Three Over Steel” emerges as a thrilling foray into the avant-garde jazz landscape, courtesy of International Anthem. This track showcases the collaborative genius of bassist Anna Butterss, synthesist Jeremiah Chiu, saxophonist Josh Johnson, percussionist Booker Stardrum, and guitarist Gregory Uhlmann, who come together to create a sound that’s as unconventional as it is captivating.

Opening with an unexpected burst of electronic noise, “Three Over Steel” quickly transitions into a complex tapestry of sounds. Acidic fusion intertwines with icy synth pulses, guitar skronk, and staticky ambience, forming a piece that demands full attention. The song’s intricate layers reveal new details with each listen, making it impossible to treat as mere background music.

Animator Miranda Javid brings the track’s dynamic energy to life with her unique animation style, using biodegradable inks on found paper. Her method of drawing each frame from memory rather than tracing creates a fluid, ever-changing visual experience that mirrors the song’s restless spirit. Javid’s approach underscores the track’s theme of change and freedom, reflecting the deep attention and interaction each musician brings to the composition.

“Three Over Steel” is a precursor to SML’s upcoming album, “Small Medium Large,” set to release on June 28. The album promises to be a sonic exploration reminiscent of Teo Macero’s work with Miles Davis, blending elements of kosmische musik, Fela Kuti’s rhythms, and Parliament-Funkadelic’s low-end elasticity. Recorded live at the now-shuttered LA venue ETA, the album captures the euphoric synchronicity of some of today’s most innovative musicians.