- On paper The Biology of Plants reads like a recipe for a witches brew, full of unconventional parts and processes. Provided contexts like “classically trained” and reference points like “Tool” display an economy and a rarity in their choices. Unsurprisingly, they’ve picked up awards for Best Jazz Song at Queensland Music Awards with their debut EP Vol. 1, a collection of compositions proving most appreciable within the genre loosley boxed as social and interactive. However, as they seemingly understate their approach to contemporary instrumental music, their 2019 follow-up release Vol. 2, proves to be a much heartier brew than the lean and green Vol. 1.
Vol. 2 listens through like a documentary, a series of time lapses unfold over ten compositions. Songs distend and contract, the intricate rhythms delicately pull you in and the grand melodic blooms blow you out: time and space shift as you listen intently or let yourself be swept away upon the majestic whole. Both early openers Ezra and 500 Million Bells succeed in drawing focus and pushing perspective, the various movements per piece proving pleasingly disorientating, you could have listened to one song or twelve depending on how you peel the onion.
Throughout tumultuous dynamics and genre-deja vu, there is consistent balance in execution, the technical ability of the group never surpasses the demands of the composition, The Biology of Plants become impressive for their youthful, exploratory nature and their sense of restraint. Later song Bourghal opens with a soulful groove and proceeds with every measure to increase in quickening complexity, a celebration of technical exuberance but with a mature approach to what’s effective and what remains exciting for everyone involved.
The context that provides the greatest insight for an adventurous band like The Biology of Plants is brought forth from their heavily familial song Food Baby. Its infectious sense of joy and frenetic gypsy energy inspires a broad appreciation of how the group and it’s wider musical family encourage such vivid expression. Close-knit scenes amongst Brisbane-based record labels Supersonic and Green Chimneys Records nurture a variety of jazz, soul and experimental composition and it’s proving to provide nutritious soil for Brisbane’s innovative musicians to flourish. The Biology of Plants share in the collective, progressive dynamic and their Vol 2. makes full use of every tool to unearth revitalized grounds for improvisation and interaction.
- Nick Rodwell.