The progeny of legendarily convoluted jazz composer Anthony Braxton, Tyondai is known for adding a dash of looney tunes and loopy vocals to Battles‘ otherwise stoic post-rock. His third solo album is promoted as “new classical,” but “J. City” sounds more like a grievous stab at alt-rock. Elsewhere, enervating helium vox, kazoos, electronics, and orchestral pomp riddle “Opening Bell” and “Platinum Rows.” Throughout, both philharmonic and rock bombast squash the finer — and more playful — details.
LISTEN: Tyondai Braxton, “Platinum Rows” https://www.youtube.com/embed/JE9n-T8Lp6Q
