Originally released in 2022 as a CD on Future Times, experimental ambient-jazz collective Lifted third album now sees its first-ever vinyl release via LA-based label Peak Oil. Following 2015’s ‘Lifted 1‘ and 2019’s ‘Lifted 2‘ on PAN, ‘Lifted 3‘ expands the project’s fusion of live improvisation, electronic experimentation, and freeform jazz into new terrain.
Opener ‘Chefs’ drops listeners into a surreal environment – part Buñuel dreamscape, part freeform radio play. From there, ‘Cymbecko’ drifts into blissful ambient dub, paving the way for ‘Trip Tongue’, a striking ensemble piece featuring Luke Stewart’s searching upright bass and Jordan GCZ’s shimmering Rhodes, layered over Jacob Long’s (Earthen Sea, Esau) liquid tone sheets.
Elsewhere, ‘Born in the Roof’ delivers loose, iridescent “slacker techno” – Perlon for potheads – while ‘Macarena’ opens the mix wide, airing out the heady atmosphere with minimalist clarity. Later highlights include ‘Snow Dancing’, with Jonny Nash’s burning guitar and Max D’s agile percussion, and ‘Whipped Cream’, a somber yet exuberant moment driven by Motion Graphics’ radiant pads.
3 features contributions from Luke Stewart (Irreversible Entanglements), Jeremy Hyman, Jonny Nash (Melody As Truth), Jordan GCZ, Josh Levi, Mezey, Hirama, Dawit Eklund (1432 R), Motion Graphics, and Jacob Long. The vinyl edition features artwork by Jordan Kasey – sister of Martin Kasey, who contributed saxophone to Lifted 2 – bringing another layer of continuity to the project’s collaborative world.
‘3’ is out now via Peak Oil. Pre-order a vinyl copy from Inverted Audio Record Store.
TRACKLIST
1. Chefs
2. Cymbecko
3. Trip Tongue
4. Born In The Roof [Radio Mix]
5. Macarena [Radio Edit]
6. Mecha Perfume & Variety
7. Snow Dancing
8. Whipped Cream
9. Bobby V