Ishmael Ensemble Launch Game-Changing New Album at Liverpool’s Rough Trade [Show Review]

Ishmael Ensemble’s third long-player, Rituals, marks a significant leap from their first two albums. This short and intimate “Stripped Back” set at Rough Trade’s Liverpool venue showcases just how far this band have travelled. Starting with “Feather” from their first album, 2021’s Visions of Light, before launching into new album opener “C’mon” marks that change ferociously.

As Pete Cunningham (Sax/producer) tells us after the gig, Ishmael Ensemble is not strictly a jazz band. “Everyone hears a saxophone and immediately thinks jazz.” Whilst their earlier work certainly sounds like jazz, Rituals is a much more dance-based affair.

Gig highlight “Ezekiel/Fever Dream” is an extended exercise in tight jazz dance, with a driving rhythm that borders on classic rave with Holly Wellington’s searing vocals and keys bringing the small crowd to a trance. To say this medley of album tracks is my live highpoint of the year may be an understatement as I found myself dancing in pure joy at the front of the stage. A rare sight.

The set ends with “Dust,” another prime cut from Rituals, that once again eschews their previous work. Starting as a hypnotic club beat that Jamie XX would be proud of, the song builds momentum until we are all swaying and pulsating again.

Sadly due to earlier sound-check issues this taster set is cut shorter than planned, but whets our appetite for their winter tour this year which we will surely attend.

Ishmael Ensemble has developed into a much broader project with this excellent album. At the sleeve signing after the gig, they are keen to find out what fans think of this departure. Whilst not leaving their jazz roots behind completely, they have created a sound that is more accessible but much more immersive and exciting.

Rituals is out now on Severn Songs. Pick up your copy here.