Darryl Kniffen isn’t interested in staying still. Backed by his forward-thinking jazz ensemble, Planet Kniffen, Darryl has been on a transformative journey, culminating in a “cross-pollinated blend of post-bop and electric fusion". Since debuting in 2018 with ‘Dreamland’, the drummer and bandleader has been refining a specific brand of electric fusion that feels less like a history lesson and more like a laboratory.
His latest offering, ‘Forward Motion’, acts as the first major output from his new studio in Bennington, Vermont, and the change of scenery has clearly fuelled a desire for expansion. This is a record that breathes with a renewed sense of purpose, trading in the safe confines of traditional post-bop for a gritty, multi-textured playground where rock, funk, and cinematic electronics collide.
The title track sets the pace with a bright, spontaneous energy, immediately establishing the ensemble’s knack for rhythmic interplay. It feels lived-in and organic, avoiding the sterile precision that sometimes plagues modern fusion. Instead, the tracks feel like conversations, a quick rapport built between artists and instruments.
‘Rain Dancer’ follows with an infectious, uplifting drive that anchors the album’s middle section, while ‘Fact or Fiction’ leans into funkier, rock-tinted territory. Darryl’s drumming is the obvious heartbeat here, but he never crowds the mix. He allows his collaborators space to wander, particularly on the standout ‘Funky Alien Strut’, which manages to pair an 80s-inspired synth aesthetic with a heavy, swaggering groove that lives up to its name.
The album isn't all high-octane technicality, though. Darryl balances the intensity with ‘Night Rain’, a remarkably smooth, late-night chapter that showcases the band’s softer touch. This leads into the sauntering closer, ‘Dirty Birdy Blues’, where rambling guitar lines meet the bright chirp of the flute. It is a moody, undulating finish that highlights the group's ability to pivot from cerebral complexity to heartfelt, melodic storytelling.
Reflecting on the project, Darryl shared: “This album serves as a reflection of the progress I’ve made both professionally and personally. I invite the listener to consider their own journey, appreciate their progress, and imagine what exciting things lie ahead.”
While the genre-mashing is impressive, the real triumph of ‘Forward Motion’ is how accessible it remains despite its intricacies. It manages to satisfy those looking for instrumental depth without alienating the casual listener. It is a bold, cohesive leap for an ensemble that is quickly becoming a vital voice in the contemporary scene.
You can stream the title track today, while the full album is set to be released on Bandcamp on May 8th and on all other platforms on June 19th. You can pre-order the new album now, and to keep up with the band’s astronomical journey, be sure to join them on Instagram and Facebook.
