Mammal Hands - Circadia

Based in the UK town of Norwich, Mammal Hands have grown quite an international following since their formation in 2012, and their consequential five albums with Gondwana Records. Though their sound comes under the broad umbrella of ‘contemporary jazz’, they’ve gained a reputation for drawing on elements of classical, pop, folk and electronic music – and nowhere is that blend more artfully demonstrated than in their sixth release (and debut with ACT Music), Circadia.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that due to the lack of bass, this ensemble lacks the ability to pack a punch – but nothing could be further from the truth. The textures created through electronics, saxophone, keys, and percussion combine to make a mesmeric sound world, and one that only seems to be rivalled by their live shows in terms of audience immersion. This not only marks the first outing with a new label, but also the debut of former Go-Go Penguin drummer, Rob Turner, after previous percussionist Jesse Barrett departed in 2024. He joins founding members and brothers Nick Smart on keys and Jordan Smart on saxophone, signalling a new shift in the trio’s journey.

The opening ‘Window to Your World’ cements Turner’s presence from the offset: his heavy beats behind Nick's sparse piano create depth, the pulsing dynamic energy balanced through the entry of Jordan's smooth saxophone lines weaving in and out of the texture. ‘Helios’ is hypnotic with its serene piano solo to start, the simple and uncomplicated melody foreshadowing the folky feel of the track. Both brothers play in unison a lilting refrain, and the piece continues to unfold in a continuous flow, making it a highlight for me. 

‘Alia’s Abandon’ is another enrapturing track that builds on the piano's repetitive motif, building alongside drums and saxophone into a wilder and more uninhibited section. Everything suddenly shifts when the piano dramatically lurches into a rapid new idea, joined swiftly by saxophone and drums. ‘Fallow Tide’ makes obvious use of electronic textures with a softened keyboard, synths, and the overlay of birdsong. Meditative and calm, it acts as a quiet moment of reflection at the album’s midpoint.

‘A Thread In The Dark’ is another moment to appreciate Nick's elegantly beautiful piano playing as he opens, joined by soft and atmospheric percussion from Turner. The mellow feel continues once the breathy and lyrical saxophone makes its entrance, and midway the piano undertakes an unhurried and expressive solo. Finally, the concluding ‘Submerge’ sees Jordan’s distorted saxophone blast out with elongated notes that resemble the cutting sound of a foghorn, though this quickly dissipates into a melodic swirl of saxophone, drums and piano together in a dark and rumbling climax to the album. 

As a band that has a reputation for blurring boundaries, Circadia does more than uphold expectations, and with the audible influences of Steve Reich and Philip Glass shaping their collective compositional approach, there’s the sense that this album will appeal to fans old and new. Certainly a winner for anyone who enjoys minimalist yet expansive jazz soundworlds.