Wippy Bonstack’s “Tactile Demons,” released on August 01, 2025, is a bold and sophisticated journey through the realms of Jazz Rock, Progressive, and Fusion. From the very first note, the album announces itself as a project of both technical mastery and personal expression, merging intricate rhythms, virtuosic solos, and rich harmonic textures. Each track unfolds like a story, balancing Experimental exploration with melodic clarity, inviting listeners to dive deep into a soundscape that is as challenging as it is rewarding. For fans of adventurous music that defies easy categorization, “Tactile Demons” offers an immersive listening experience where complexity and creativity coexist in perfect harmony. The album opens with the polyrhythmic title-track, a dynamic fusion of continuous tempo changes, modern Jazz Rock, and refined Prog elements. Through extended instrumental passages, the band captivates the listener with carefully crafted solos and shifting dynamics. Rooted in technical Jazz, the piece ventures into sophisticated Fusion without indulging in virtuosity for its own sake, integrating Prog and R.I.O. touches that make it truly original. It’s a celebration of complex rhythms and finely woven guitar-keyboard interplay. With “Addy’s Homeplate,” the band moves into a more classic Fusion territory while retaining the incisive energy that defines the project. Technical yet never self-indulgent, the track features virtuosic lines and elegant interludes, with guitar and piano arpeggios bridging Prog and Jazz. Alternating between dreamy and elaborate passages, the piece balances Jazz-inflected tonalities with a modern, personal approach—a real pleasure for those who enjoy traditional genre atmospheres in a contemporary context. “Rings” begins with atmospheric piano and guitar, evolving into a track that interlaces Jazz, Experimental, and Progressive sensibilities. Percussive elements and subtle Oriental motifs enhance the composition, while masterful solos and tempo shifts take the listener on a cerebral and spatial journey. “The Walking Glass Shrimp,” the shortest track on the album, blends Fusion and Experimental approaches with delicate guitar-keyboard interactions. Similarly, “Barren Swords” opens with dark, intricate textures, weaving guitar, keyboards, and bass into deep, experimental atmospheres. The epic closing track, “Billiards of Pit,” revisits the project’s more classic sounds. A masterful blend of Jazz, Progressive Rock, and Fusion, it demonstrates both compositional depth and high-level musicianship. Despite the already strong tracklist, this piece alone could sustain the album, rewarding attentive listeners with its nuanced passages and refined execution. Far from mere technical display, the track delivers a cohesive, dynamic soundscape that highlights each performer, leaving a lasting impression of exceptional musical value. Classifying this project by genre proves difficult, yet this is a strength rather than a limitation. Wippy Bonstack and collaborators seamlessly weave Jazz, Prog, and Fusion with their own distinctive voice. The band requires no direct comparisons; their style stands on its own, resisting categorization. Each composition offers moments of technical brilliance, dynamic intensity, and experimental flair, culminating in an epic finale. “Tactile Demons” is a highly recommended listen for fans of Jazz Rock, Fusion, and Progressive music, confirming the quality evident in the artist’s prior works.
Tracklist
01. Tactile Demons (08:33)
02. Addy’s Homeplate (05:57)
03. Rings (04:23)
04. The Walking Glass Shrimp (02:03)
05. Barren Swords (03:53)
06. Billiards of Pit (21:54)
Lineup
Wippy Bonstack / Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Bass, Piano, Analog Synth, Keyboard, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Percussion
John Rokicki / Tenor Saxophone (1, 2, 6)
Joey Lavarias / Bassoon (1, 2, 6)
Elizabeth Smiland / Flute (2, 3, 6)
AJ Hudson / Xylophone (1, 6)
Sonia Susi / Violin (2, 6)
Matt Stober / Cello (3, 5)
Andres Ollari / Trumpet (6)