when pluto was a planet and everything was cool / milk in my console by Ebi Soda

"when pluto was a planet and everything was cool," sees Ebi Soda once again check into their own off-kilter jazz universe: moody, mysterious, and deliciously unpredictable. Suspense coils and unravels across a backdrop of cinematic drums, shadowy synths, and wild, unbridled brass. The apocalyptic, free-falling soundscape follows "bamboo" and "feely," leading into their highly anticipated second album "frank dean and andrew" (out in September), forged from farmhouse sessions, tangled cables, and sonic mischief.

As per their creative tradition, each Ebi album has a tune initiated by Hari-lee Evans’ chords, this time on bass. Expanding on their process, the band adds, “We jammed to these where Will played a Tron-type synth, came up with the B section, and then Sam brought the crazy drums." Dan Gray's trumpet work is a stand-out, with estranged Spaghetti Western adlibs to match the drill-inflected drums. The combination prompted the band to double down, pushing the low bass growl and delays to fuel the dark intensity. “The title is completely nonsensical, named by Hari,” they note, yet somehow, it clings perfectly to the track’s cosmic mood swings and magnetic pull.

The track is consistent with the experimental and cinematic currents running through the upcoming 11-track album, "frank dean and andrew," available digitally, on vinyl, CD, and cassette. Born from hours of unrestrained jams in a remote, rented farmhouse. Guided by instinct, curiosity, and an unshakable creative spirit, Ebi Soda steer clear of rigid structures and genre restraints, fully embracing their skillful impulses.

"milk in my console" opens with fluttering synth twinkles and eerie pulses, met by soaring, sweeping bass and tightly compressed, punchy drums. Tension bubbles up, a mighty dread wrapped in something strangely delicate.

"milk in my console" is the peak of the weird intensity of this album’s vibe. Every aspect is truly creepy, from the synth sequence to the bone melodies… This vibe is a rarity in UK jazz. It just needs taking in, especially the burning James Akers [sax] solo in the second half.
Ebi Soda

Recorded on day two of the farmhouse jams, the band admits they were "losing their minds." The track captures that delirious energy with off-kilter brilliance, siphoning their discomfort and the weirdness of an awkward moment. Hari-lee Evans laid down the tone-setting synth sequence, leaving space for Will Heaton to carve out brooding, “Blade Runner” bass sounds. The tempo pulled the band into a grim drill hybrid, charged with an unavoidable sense of unease. Conor Knight’s scratchy guitar tangled with the synths, while Louis Jenkins conjured ghostly textures on keys. Hearing the direction unfold, the band locked in, upping the creepy melodies, toughening the beat, and mixing the drums with the weight and punch of a rap record.

"milk in my console" is a twisted highlight in the experimental current running through the album "frank dean and andrew" - a warped, wonderful prelude to what’s coming. Born from hours of unrestrained jams in a remote, rented farmhouse. Guided by instinct, curiosity, and an unshakable creative spirit, Ebi Soda steers clear of rigid structures and genre restraints, fully embracing their skillful impulses.

This project follows their sophomore album "Honk If You're Sad" and the subsequent "Collaborations and Remixes Vol.1 EP," boasting works with Ash Walker, BODUR, JD. Reid and Yazz Ahmed, amongst many. This fearless exploration of sound mirrors Ebi Soda's eclectic influences, drawing from bands like Can, Lounge Lizards, and BadBadNotGood, as well as electronica from Oli XL, Yameii Online, and Burial. Recent projects have amassed support from Jamz Supernova, Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), and NPR (New Music Friday), including press accolades in The Vinyl Factory, Clash, and Jazzwise, with inclusion in Spotify's Best of Jazz UK 2024. The band has also featured on compilations for Soul Jazz Records and Majestic Casual while performing at Gilles Peterson's We Out Here, London's Jazz Re:Freshed, SXSW Austin, and EFG London Jazz Festival. Kicking off their new project, the band debuted new material at the recent Brick Lane Jazz x Patterns x Tru Thoughts showcase, soon to be unveiled in full at their Jazz Cafe Album Launch.

Ebi Soda - when pluto was a planet and everything was cool / milk in my console
Release Date August 2025
Label Tru Thoughts

Tracklist
1. when pluto was a planet and everything was cool
2. milk in my console