Man Made Object

about this album

In his 1982 film, Koyaanisqatsi, director Godfrey Reggio sought to explain the relationship between human beings, nature and technology. He presented a gorgeous collage of scenic landscapes and rolling clouds, set against an equally riveting score. The movie said everything it needed without any spoken dialogue, which can be nearly impossible in cinema and music. Jazz trio GoGo Penguin rescored the film in a one-off event this past fall, which makes total sense the more you assess the band’s art. Drummer Rob Turner, bassist Nick Blacka and pianist Chris Illingworth fuse classical and electronic elements while keeping with jazz’s improvised nature. Much like Koyaanisqatsi, GoGo Penguin’s music is full of subtle shifts that allow its composers to shine equally. For Man Made Object, the band’s third album, many of its 10 tracks started as electronic compositions, created on Logic and Ableton by the group’s percussionist. GoGo Penguin opts for an energized sound on Man Made Object, conjuring pastoral imagery while loosely exploring scientific concepts. Between its title and multifaceted sonic approach, the LP seems directly influenced by Koyaanisqatsi, bringing to mind the same sorts of aerial views we see during the movie’s 86 minutes. The album comes on the heels of a revival of sorts for jazz music, where artists like Kendrick Lamar, David Bowie, Flying Lotus and Kamasi Washington fused the genre with their own blends of rap, rock, electronica and soul. The success of their

why this is interesting

This album merits attention for how it reconciles seemingly opposed worlds—the organic and the synthetic, contemplation and propulsion. GoGo Penguin constructs intricate soundscapes where piano phrases interweave with electronic textures, while Turner's drumming provides architecture rather than mere timekeeping. The trio's work feels genuinely exploratory rather than genre-bound, suggesting deeper questions about how we inhabit modern spaces. There's intellectual rigor here, but also accessibility; the music doesn't demand specialized knowledge, only willingness to listen closely. Their approach echoes Reggio's own artistic philosophy—communicating complex ideas through carefully composed sensory experience rather than exposition.

tracks

more from GoGo Penguin

v2.0

v2.0 (Deluxe Edition)

Man Made Object (Deluxe)

A Humdrum Star

GoGo Penguin

Everything Is Going to Be OK