By: T. Dylon

“Decisions” is an intriguing new adventure into the obscure realm of modern jazz albums. Colorful keys and subtle interplay between bassist Luke McIntosh and drummer Bruno Gafanhoto yield clever guitar riffs.

Guitarist Brandon Coleman’s quartet has a diverse genealogy, ranging from Australia to Brazil to the exotic otherworld of Pikeville, Ky. But musical diversity, rather than the quartet’s distant homelands, pervades the new album from these U of L alums. An apparent narrative makes the album cohesive, from the opening sweeps of “Rewind” to the closing title track. Coleman is an obviously talented composer.

But these players are brave improvisers too. Visceral tension meets intellectual scrutiny in their searing solos. They make you cry, then frown at yourself in contemplation, then cheer for the home-team school of music talent.

“Decisions” is a creative journey, with lofty musical logic as a guide through the unabashed “Geometry” and dystopian soundscapes of “Vast,” a sort of minimalistic progressive rock tune.  The album suggests a blossoming persistence in the face of devastation, and careful decisions amid confusion. Kurt Rosenwinkel would approve.