Drummer/percussionist Tom Skinner started playing drums at 9. He came up in the 90s grunge era, but then quickly moved to and found inspiration from experimental jazz artists like John Zorn and Ornette Coleman. He came out of the London jazz scene and then formed experimental jazz band Sons of Kemet. From 2013 to 2022 he wrote and toured with the accomplished group of musicians and artists until they called it quits after 2021s Black To the Future. Two major things happened a year later in 2022; Skinner released his debut solo album Voices of Bishara, as well as The Smile’s debut album A Light For Attracting Attention. Skinner formed The Smile with Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke the year before.
After extensive touring with The Smile, as well as releasing three albums(2 in 2024 alone), Tom Skinner took time to write and release his latest solo LP. With a collection of who’s who musicians Skinner wrote and produced Kaleidoscopic Visions, his debut with Chicago’s International Anthem Records. A mixture of experimental jazz, noir vibes and subtle funk, Kaleidoscopic Visions is a musical jumbo that is never not interesting. It’s a balance between chaos and calm.
Going into Tom Skinner’s latest solo LP you should leave expectations at the door. This is not The Smile, nor is it the African funk/jazz of Sons of Kemet. Skinner has made something quite unique and singular here. Opener “There’s Nothing To Be Scared Of” waxes and wanes in the air. An ominous tone rises like the opening of some 60s neo-noir film. Underneath all the mystery a far out jazz vibe rises in quick notes and a slick drum groove. “Auster” on the other hands sounds like Charles Mingus on some psychedelic journey. It rolls along beautifully in its own time zone. “Margaret Anne” rides along on an exquisite groove via Skinner while a lighter mood rises via woodwinds.
The album rolls along from lighter to darker moods, painting full yet alien landscapes. From the esoteric title track to the string and horn-laden “Extensions 12” to the quiet tension of album closer “See How They Run(featuring Yaffra)”, Tom Skinner builds quiet tension and understated arrangements. The opus here is the 10-minute “The Maxim” which features bassist extraordinaire Meshell Ndegeocello on vocals, bass synth, and keys. It builds in a cloud of psychedelic tones and dreamy sonic touches.
Tom Skinner’s Kaleidoscopic Visions is an engaging and forward thinking album of alien tones and mind-expanding sound.
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