Manchester-based Avant Garde rocker Andi Jackson first hit my radar in 2021 thanks to his album Sub Horror. At the time I was frankly blown away by its originality, calling it a “ten track odyssey”. Here we are two years later and there was no doubt in my mind about picking up his new album. It’s called Electric Departure.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Sally Mason

Electric Departure is an album made up of improvisations, feedback, loops and prepared guitars. In true Andi style, he’s allowed his individuality to come forward, eschewing trends and fads and providing for those of us who like a bit of variety in our music. Naturally, that means it won’t suit everyone’s tastes, but will reward an open-minded listener.

We start with Reflections, I Completed Rock. A slow, echoing opening sets the early tone which brings to mind the kind of experimentations we got from Pink Floyd in their early days. The track slowly builds with tension and complexity leading us into Going Over The Falls. It’s similarly brooding but with a darker atmosphere and some surprise baby chatter at the end.

Delicate Departure feels lighter, with overlaying guitar strumming while The Walls Are Covered With Strawberry Red And Green Silk ramps up the feedback and psychedelia. Flavour Of The Month brings us delicate percussive tapestries while Halicore feels like a klaxon call of pulsing guitar. Grief Is Love With No Place To Go closes the album with a ten-minute emotionally-rich caterwaul.

Andi Jackson is an artist that continues to push the envelope with his music. Though experimental, and often droning, there is a depth to his improvisations. Electric Departure is an album to feel as much as it is an album to listen to. It’s out now via Fr33zehead (Andi’s own DIY label) and you can check it out below.