Album Review: Connan Mockasin - Jassbusters

"If you’re seeing things running through your head, who you gonna call?" Connan Mockasin’s the answer and it’s been a bit of a wait for the NZ-born solo artist’s third long-player. Designed to be listened to after watching his five-part documentary entitled Bostyn ‘N Dobsyn, which will make its debut at London’s Barbican in early November, it’s a good album full of thoughtful, indie-contemporary tracks that sit somewhere between a bleached Cass McCombs and Blood Orange. 

As far as approaches go, Jassbusters has the feel of an artist at a stage in their recording career who has effortlessly summarised five or so years of ideas into the perfect third album. On paper, the nine-minute opening track Charlotte’s Thong is an ambitious declaration, but upon listening it’s actually unassuming, casually catchy and works as background music or a track to enjoy in a quiet place with some kick-ass sound gear.

Last Night invokes modern rhythm and blues and things get engagingly weird on You Can Do Anything. It’s engaging all the way to closer Les Be Honest and this record could surely be a contender for album of the year.