Review: Irreversible Entanglements’ ‘Who Sent You?’

In their debut and the live album released a year ago, Irreversible Entanglements wowed audiences with energetic free-jazz poetry performances, and that doesn’t stop on Who Sent You? (International Anthem, 2020). Camae Ayewa does not have as many lines as on the band’s first album, but whenever she does speak she is as effective as ever. The poet’s delivery often contains more reserved anger as opposed to the explosive rage that characterized much of her contributions to the band’s debut. An impressive cold intensity courses through her voice, and when she does explode, the stellar band supports her with even more fire. Aquiles Navarro (trumpet) and Keir Neuringer (alto saxophone) excel whether they are wailing or blowing through a melodic lament, but the MVP of Who Sent You? is arguably the rhythm section, with Luke Stewart (bass) and Tcheser Holmes (drums) both putting in great performances.

Holmes’ drumming throughout Who Sent You? is outstanding. While the horns play more mournful tones on “The Code Noir / Amena”, the drummer relentlessly attacks, sporadically increasing in intensity as the track grows in power. Ayewa is fascinating in the aggressive “Who Sent You?”, which questions the true purpose of police who are more interested in harassing black communities than serving and protecting them (“What did they tell you – to patrol overseas, to patrol, crucify? What are you doing here in my home, my neighborhood? What did they tell you to control, to redeem?”). The horn section begins “Who Sent You?” chaotically, creating a perfect setting for Ayewa’s biting inquiry.

On “No Más”, Irreversible Entanglements’ strong rhythmic sense is on full display. “No Más” is the most melodic composition of the album, featuring a very catchy melody from the horns. Both Stewart and Holmes shine, the former delivering two fantastic bass lines and the latter playing some of his tightest work to date. This is followed by the imposing contorted horns of “Blues Ideology” and the final piece, “Bread Out Of Stone”, which has a relatively sparse environment with a rhythm that develops in extremely interesting ways. Who Sent You? is another fine album in the young discography of a band with undeniable passion.

Who Sent You? is now available on International Anthem

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Personnel:

Camae Ayewa (aka Moor Mother) – voice, lyrics

Keir Neuringer – saxophone, percussion, composer

Aquiles Navarro – trumpet, percussion, composer

Luke Stewart – double bass, percussion, composer

Tcheser Holmes – drums, congas, composer