If music were a landscape, Outside Pedestrian would be the untamed wilderness where jazz spontaneity meets rock’s raw energy. Born from the creative minds of guitarist Dr. Anthony Fesmire and bassist David Lockeretz, this group has continuously redefined instrumental storytelling. With a dynamic lineup of collaborators and a penchant for the unexpected, their fourth album, “Time Zones” released on November 1, is their most adventurous and emotionally rich endeavor yet. Crafted remotely, this record captures a fusion of familiarity and reinvention. Including drummers Steve Tashjian and David Oromaner, alongside Fesmire and Lockeretz’s first significant songwriting collaboration, creates a kaleidoscope of textures that dazzle with every track. Let’s unpack this exhilarating auditory journey.
The opener, “Seven on Four,” sets the tone with intricate, syncopated rhythms and dazzling interplay between bass and guitar. It’s like stepping into a labyrinth, where every turn offers new melodic surprises. The tight yet exploratory drumming punctuates the jazzy undertones with rock vigor. This track brims with curiosity, leaving you eager for the rest of the ride.
A nod to the seamless dialogue between the instruments, “Two Point Conversation “highlights the remarkable chemistry between Fesmire and Lockeretz. The guitar lines feel conversational, weaving effortlessly through a rhythmic foundation that balances groove and sophistication. The production is crystal-clear, amplifying every nuanced exchange.
“Wicked Chester,” the energy surges. The bassline drives forward with gritty determination, while the guitar alternates between fiery riffs and atmospheric passages. Tashjian’s drumming complements the dynamic shifts, creating an exhilarating sense of unpredictability. This track embodies mischievous fun and rebellion, true to its title.
Paying homage to the late jazz legend Wayne Shorter, “Messenger” takes a contemplative turn. Lush harmonies and fluid, lyrical guitar lines evoke the introspection and depth that defined Shorter’s music. Oromaner’s drumming here is subdued but emotionally resonant, creating a poignant tribute that feels like a quiet conversation with the past.
The sixth track, “Rogues’ Gallery,” is a rollicking showcase of Outside Pedestrian’s playful side. The interplay between the two drummers is delightful, as they push and pull the tempo with intuitive precision. Meanwhile, the guitar and bass carve out a landscape of musical mischief, like a band of outlaws on the run.
An atmospheric masterpiece, “Slowly Falling” envelops you in cascading guitar arpeggios and a bassline that feels almost meditative. The drumming is understated, letting the melody take center stage. This track paints a sonic picture of descent—not a plummet, but a graceful, almost dreamlike glide.
Outside Pedestrian’s first-ever cover is a bold reinterpretation of The Ventures’ classic “Walk, Don’t Run”. The dual drummers steal the spotlight here, trading solos that feel like a lively conversation. The guitar’s clean, precise execution respects the original while injecting Outside Pedestrian’s signature unpredictability. It’s a joyous celebration of collaboration and genre-blending.
A heartfelt homage to Jeff Beck, “Envoy’ captures the late guitarist’s essence through fluid, soulful phrasing and a touch of bluesy grit. The production here is noteworthy, with every note ringing clear yet warm. Fesmire’s guitar sings with emotion, making “Envoy” a standout moment of the album.
“Tricky LP,” the album closer is a whirlwind of technical brilliance and unrestrained creativity. The track’s ever-shifting time signatures and textures feel like a musical puzzle that’s thrilling to decode. The entire band shines, delivering a finale that leaves you both satisfied and yearning to hit replay.
In conclusion, “Time Zones” is a masterclass in genre fusion, balancing the raw edge of rock with the nuanced sophistication of jazz. Each track feels like a chapter in an expansive story, crafted carefully with a spirit of experimentation. The remote production process might have distanced the players physically, but the resulting music feels intimately connected as if each note was born from a shared heartbeat. Outside Pedestrian has outdone themselves, delivering an album that traverses time zones and crosses emotional and sonic boundaries. For those of you who crave unpredictability wrapped in technical mastery, “Time Zones” is an album that will captivate and inspire you.
Listen to the “Time Zones” album on Spotify
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