Cinematic grooves and lounge-exotica in London trio Les Hommes’ new album ‘Sì, così’

The title Sì, così of the new album by London jazz trio Les Hommes could be loosely translated as “Yes, indeed”, and not only hints at a certain romantic nostalgia for what is known as La Dolce Vita, but also gives a certain indication of the sound that can be found within, in no small part inspired by Italian film scores of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

 

This is Les Hommes‘ sophomore album following their debut in 2017 with The Mood Is Modal, and the 7 years that separate the two are a chasm in terms of the outfit’s development, with the new full-length revealing a more mature, sophisticated and classy approach in terms both of compositions and arrangements. 

 

Along with founder Rory More‘s deep explorations of the vintage Lowrey organ, the album’s recordings also feature clarinet, flute, electric piano, vibraphone and hypnotic conga rhythms, for 11 lush and atmospheric instrumental tracks that delve into various subgenres of jazz with cinematic inclinations. 

 

We’re lulled by the relaxed waves of opening track “Sonorissima Bay”, guided by the nu jazz grooves of “Night Drives”, seduced by the esoteric “Hallucinations”, passing through the contagious funky rhythm of “Così così”, and the irresistible jazz-funk vibes of “Cold Static”.

 

If one were to ask whether Les Hommes have succeeded in distilling a modern and unique sound from the many retro inspirations they explore, from nu jazz to lounge-exotica, from easy listening to library music, the reply, inevitably, would have to be “Yes, indeed”. 

 

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