Review: Thumbscrew’s ‘Never is Enough’

It hasn’t even been a year since Thumbscrew released their superb record in tribute to Anthony Braxton, but the trio is already back with Never Is Enough (Cuneiform Records, 2021). Braxton’s influence is still apparent, especially in the more rigid moments, but this album is a completely different experience. For much of the runtime, the trio opts for a more contemplative approach. Listening to it, it’s easy to see why Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Mary Halvorson (guitar), and Michael Formanek (bass) have become constant fixtures in the avant-garde jazz scene. 

The album is full of intriguingly warped beauty, with the Halvorson-composed “Heartdrop” being a prime example. The track has the guitarist in mesmerizing form, wielding a combination of smooth technique and bent effects to craft a gorgeous theme. From Fujiwara’s understated brushwork to Halvorson and Formanek’s classy solos – everything about “Heartdrop” emits a captivating elegance. Fujiwara’s “Unsung Procession” is another brilliantly reserved exercise where bells and the hiss of the drummer’s brush are key to the spacey atmosphere. Formanek and Halvorson play with a calm, impressive connection, moving between reflecting and shadowing each other before both take great solos. 

Much of Never Is Enough is patient, but that does not mean any of the usual fire has left this inventive trio. Halvorson’s rock-infused “Sequel To Sadness” is driven by an icy sequence of guitar chords that manages to be stern and catchy at the same time. Formanek’s “Never Is Enough” begins in a relatively minimalist fashion and ends in a storm. Fujiwara becomes increasingly more thunderous as Halvorson’s distortion-drenched guitar cuts through the chaos. It’s a fantastic song that suggests that Thumbscrew could probably dabble in psychedelic metal if they wanted to. 

Never Is Enough is another strong showing by Thumbscrew. The album has an interesting range of styles that includes Braxton-like dexterity (“Through An Open Window”) and twinkling passages of otherworldly darkness (“Scam Likely”). This is the perfect starting point for those unfamiliar with the trio’s work – and fans will not be disappointed. 

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Tracklist: 1. Camp Easy; 2. Sequel to Sadness; 3. Never is Enough; 4. Through an Open Window; 5. Heartdrop; 6. Emojis Have Consequences; 7. Fractured Sanity; 8. Unsung Procession, 9. Scam Likely.

Personnel: Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Mary Halvorson (guitar), Michael Formanek (double bass and electric bass).