WHATEVER HAPPENS DON’T BE YOURSELF – TALES OF NO CONSEQUENCES (Release date: 27th February, 2026) (Is It Jazz? Records)

Described as “a mix of catchy and almost pop-like melodies with explosive, hard-hitting impro noise” ‘Opus X’ is a hard-hitting drum heavy opener for sure. There is a nice hook, a vocal and some energised blowing on ‘What’s my Chances?’, also released as a digital single. Vocalist Nelly Moar leads the all to short enchanting ballad ‘Stormy Nights’, ‘Where the Sky is the Highest’ is the longest number at 5:30 with vibes and guitar solos alongside the brass and ending with solo sax reiterating the melody, great stuff. ‘Seventy-Two’ is jazz rock with another guitar solo and vocal improvisations. ‘Green Candela Blues’ is another catchy number defined by the brass with a piano break and ‘running’ double bass. The title track makes good use of its short length with what sounds like bowed double bass and percussive effects with sparse piano notes, a nice contrast to what has gone before and the most experimental piece. ‘School Bus’, another digital single. also strays into free jazz territory after the sax defined melody with some sax soloing on top.

Formed in 2015 by Nils Are Drønen, the 9-piece orchestra Whatever Happens Don’t Be Yourself has grown in stature in the Bergen jazz scene and this is their 5^th album. Their music has been compared to Mingus, Alice Coltrane, Steve Reich, Wayne Shorter, Derek Bailey and Art Ensemble of Chicago.