Triodes: Chunked

Triodes are a four part instrumental group hailing from Toronto. In their first independent release, their claim is that they are a genre-melding group that is primarily focused in jazz and R&B, but also include “generous nods” to other genres. It's a fairly accurate representation of the group which is comprised of former Juno award winners Michael Occhipinti and Paul Neufield as well as Roberto Occhipinti on bass guitar and Doan Pham on drums.

On this particular album, their usual lineup is supplemented by guest appearances by Jeff Coffin on saxaphone, Luis Orbegoso on trombone and Phatt Al with a couple of rap interludes. Triodes suggestion of themselves being genre-melding is certainly accurate, though not so much in a way that necessarily works to their advantage.

Chunked is a 12-track disc that is all over the map from start to finish. The initial impression on opening track Big Belly was a startling resemblance to the Cosby Show theme music. It's jazzy, but it's really clean and safe jazz, and this factor is consistent throughout the album, which is pretty strange for a group that cites Booker T and the MG's as main influences.

In tracks like Black Disciples and Israelites, it's tough not to be thrown off course with confusion being barraged with reggae, Triodes are trying to be too many things at once (ska, reggae, electronica), and that ambition makes it hard to understand what it is they're getting at.

The other issue with this album is that it can be a little hard to differentiate between the tracks. While the songs have diverse qualities, the feel is that one is really listening to just one long song. However, there is no lack of talent as far as being able to play instruments, they all seem to have a strong handle on it, and it can even come across as a little cocky, causing slight suspicion that this album may be nothing more than a vanity project.

The albums title track Chunked is surprisingly low key. It's got decent, albeit repetitive, guitar and some oddly placed electronics. When all is said and done, Triodes seem to be, first and foremost, a jam band. They're going to go off on different tangents for each song, while trying to maintain their funk jazz feel. It's not a terrible sound, or even an annoying one but rather one that lacks a spark and personality that will take it to the next level, or separate it from a companies call-waiting music. This band would probably be a fun group to see live in a small club, to serve as some background noise to an evening with friends.

Sample some tracks at: www.myspace.com/thetriodes