Eucalyptus

Since forming in 2009, Brodie West's octet Eucalyptus has become a favourite for a wide cross-section of listeners in their hometown of Toronto. They've also caught the ears of critics. It's easy to understand why on both counts: the band's singular cocktail of styles is eminently listenable—an aromatic blend of off-kilter loungy repose, tropical polyrhythms, Sun Ra's intergalactic wonk, and a greasy dollop of proto-fusion groove.

Topology of Time & Up Express etc. is Eucalyptus' seventh release since 2012, and their second for Telephone Explosion Records. Moves, the record's 2022 predecessor, began on a decidedly angular, percussion-heavy note, its nervy energy eventually dwindling to reveal their widest variety of music to date. The Wire's Daniel Spicer remarked that “the album’s seven concise tracks positively ping with ideas, piling up rich layers of horns, percussion, clavinet and electric guitar… but there’s a soulful core.”

Topology of Time & Up Express etc. serves up another phase in the evolution of Brodie West's craft and Eucalyptus as a band, with more seamless integration of melodicism and rhythm, and a cozier ensemble dynamic that creates an intoxicating blend of the familiar and the unexpected.

Photo Credit: Martin Reis