Wild Things

On their third album, Wild Things, Copenhagen collective Jiyu push further into the outer reaches of cosmic and spiritual jazz, crafting a record that feels simultaneously grounded in groove and untethered by convention. Across eight tracks, the band demonstrate the kind of instinctive chemistry that only emerges when musicians are fully attuned to one another, allowing ideas to flow freely between structure and improvisation.

Recorded at 12 Ton Studio in Copenhagen, Wild Things captures six players operating in what can only be described as telepathic sync. The performances feel organic and alive, built around elastic basslines, jazz-dub rhythms, soulful percussion and warm analogue textures. Wurlitzer flourishes, fluid guitar passages and sweeping flute melodies drift through the arrangements, creating an atmosphere that constantly evolves without ever losing its sense of direction.

What makes the album particularly compelling is its ability to balance exploration with accessibility. Even at its most expansive, the music remains inviting. The shuffled broken-beat energy of “Smell of Fire” introduces a restless pulse, while tracks such as “Deep Woods” settle into a slower, more meditative space, allowing the band’s subtle interplay and textural detail to fully reveal themselves.

Guest vocalist Mai Lan Doky adds another dimension to the album on “Cumulus” and “The Subterranean”. Her dreamlike contributions blend seamlessly into the surrounding instrumentation, enhancing the record’s floating, otherworldly character without disrupting its natural flow.

Throughout Wild Things, Jiyu demonstrate a remarkable understanding of space and movement. The music breathes, stretches and contracts, finding beauty in both intricate passages and understated moments. It is an album that rewards immersion, drawing listeners deeper into its rich sonic landscape with each passing track.

Earthy yet cosmic, exploratory yet deeply soulful, Wild Things feels like the work of a band confidently expanding its creative horizons. Jiyu have created an album that embraces freedom and curiosity while remaining rooted in groove, warmth and human connection.