BADBADNOTGOOD has made their mark as one of the most forward-thinking bands of the last decade, pushing the boundaries of jazz by seamlessly incorporating hip-hop, electronic, and experimental influences. Based in Toronto, the group gained initial fame with jazz covers of hip-hop tracks, but over the years, they've evolved into pioneers of modern jazz fusion. With the release of Midspiral earlier this year and its highly anticipated vinyl edition dropping on Friday, October 25th, now is the perfect time to revisit the tracks and collaborations that have defined their unique sound.
What Makes BADBADNOTGOOD Unique?
BADBADNOTGOOD's ability to effortlessly blend traditional jazz improvisation with modern genres sets them apart. The group is known for crossing the boundaries between jazz and contemporary music, allowing them to collaborate with artists from across the musical spectrum, from hip-hop legends to electronic producers. What makes them unique is their ability to maintain the authenticity of jazz while experimenting with new sounds and production techniques. This genre-blurring approach, coupled with their dynamic live performances, has earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Their latest album, Midspiral, takes that evolution even further, continuing their journey into cinematic soundscapes and electronic textures. Let’s explore some of their standout tracks from Talk Memory and earlier collaborations, before looking at the significance of Midspiral.
Standout Tracks & Collaborations
1. "Signal From The Noise" (from Talk Memory, 2021)
One of BADBADNOTGOOD’s most ambitious tracks, "Signal From The Noise" is a nine-minute instrumental odyssey that fuses jazz with psychedelic rock and electronic elements. The track builds layers of tension and release, with driving basslines, swirling synths, and tight drumming. This song highlights the band’s knack for creating immersive soundscapes, balancing improvisation with meticulous composition.
2. "Time Moves Slow" ft. Sam Herring (from IV, 2016)
This classic collaboration with Future Islands' frontman Sam Herring remains a fan favorite. The slow, emotional build-up of the track, combined with Herring’s melancholic vocals, creates a deeply moving experience. It’s a prime example of BADBADNOTGOOD’s ability to merge jazz with soul and indie elements to create something timeless.
3. "The Chocolate Conquistadors" ft. MF DOOM (from Grand Theft Auto Online: The Cayo Perico Heist, 2020)
One of their most exciting collaborations came with the late MF DOOM, an artist who had long influenced BADBADNOTGOOD's sound. "The Chocolate Conquistadors" was released as part of a soundtrack for the Grand Theft Auto game, but it’s far from just background music. The fusion of jazz, funk, and DOOM’s unique flow creates a track that’s both playful and complex, highlighting BADBADNOTGOOD’s ability to seamlessly collaborate with hip-hop royalty.
4. "Unfolding (Momentum 73)" ft. Laraaji (from Talk Memory, 2021)
This collaboration with ambient music pioneer Laraaji perfectly encapsulates the atmospheric beauty of BADBADNOTGOOD's music. The track combines Laraaji’s ethereal zither playing with the band’s flowing, jazz-based improvisations, resulting in a serene, expansive composition. It stands as one of their more meditative tracks, illustrating their versatility in working with diverse artists from different musical spheres.
5. "Lavender" ft. Kaytranada (from IV, 2016)
An earlier collaboration with electronic producer Kaytranada, "Lavender" blends smooth jazz with minimalist electronic beats. The eerie synth lines and deep bass grooves give it a futuristic vibe, which was later amplified by Snoop Dogg’s politically charged remix. This track is a testament to BADBADNOTGOOD’s genre-blending expertise, seamlessly merging jazz with electronic music.
Midspiral – A Look at Their Latest Release
Midspiral marks another step forward in BADBADNOTGOOD’s evolution. Released earlier this year, the album builds on the lush, cinematic sound that the band developed in Talk Memory, while also incorporating more electronic elements and continuing their exploration of moody, expansive compositions. Early reviews have praised Midspiral for its deep emotional resonance and inventive arrangements, pushing the boundaries of what modern jazz can be.
With the vinyl edition of Midspiral arriving on Friday, October 25th, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience the album in its full analog glory. Vinyl is the perfect medium to fully appreciate the rich textures and dynamic soundscapes BADBADNOTGOOD has crafted in this record, making this release one of the most anticipated in the jazz and experimental music scene this year.
Final Thoughts
BADBADNOTGOOD continues to stand at the forefront of modern jazz by seamlessly blending it with contemporary genres and creating something entirely unique. With albums like Talk Memory and their latest release, Midspiral, the group has proven that they’re not afraid to evolve and push the limits of their sound. As we prepare for the vinyl drop of Midspiral on October 25th, it’s clear that BADBADNOTGOOD’s musical journey is far from over. Their constant innovation and boundary-pushing collaborations ensure that they will remain a vital force in the world of modern music for years to come.
