Enrico Crivellaro (aka Volcov)’s Neroli label has long trodden a path in music that has centred on the sound of the drum. The label’s output has evolved over time in line with his own changes in taste and rhythmic direction, but has always retained a dedication to high quality in that area. So this new link up with Kirk Degiorgio was always going to bring with it a sense of excitement about the results it would produce. Degiorgio himself has plotted a varied voyage to where he is now, taking in the melodic spacey techno of his earlier Planet E and Rush Hour releases (see ‘Membrane’ and ‘Ripple Effect’) to the Brazilian influenced ‘Sambatek’ project on Far Out, and then latterly his As-One guise has exposed his more soulful and jazz side. And yet, there is always the techno undercurrent coming from his roots. Plus he knows his musical history, check his long running Sound Obsession radio shows for some serious deep dives into what moves him.

With all that in mind, the ‘Statement’ very much feels like a coming together of all those elements in an expression of exactly where he is artistically as a producer right now. The influence of jazz is very much present in the mix providing a counter balance to the driving drum beats that are ever present across these tracks. The album really manages to bring together that combination in a superior and satisfying whole.

Opener ‘Fury’ is just that, duelling drums and horns with a dark spiritual edge that echoes across the album. Title track ‘The Statement’ has more of a broken beat feel to it without ever veering into pastiche, bringing the sound bang up to date. ’Find the Light Within’ takes a more soundtrack feel keeping the keyboard elements high in the mix for a night time ride. Then the mood lightens into a more glowing place via ‘Siofra’s Shining’ whose closing wah wah coda adds to the balance of flavours on show.

Always moving forward, the keys-led opener for side B, ‘Mist’ is an ethereal, stripped back piece of yearning contemplation, simple yet moving. ‘Mirror’ is the sole vocal cut and makes for a perfect mid-album take stock moment. Reflecting on what has gone before with a dreamy acoustic vibe that sets the scene perfectly for the low slung funk of ‘Technological Blues’ and the measured hecticness of the drum and organ across ‘Beyond the Lost World’. Finally, there’s an orchestral electronic reprise to round off ‘The Statement’, closing the curtain on a superb excursion into the spaces between jazz, techno and beyond, expertly woven together with depth and feeling. Neroli and Kirk making a statement together.

The Statement is out now on Neroli and available via Bandcamp.