The free-jazz collective Irreversible Entanglements is preparing to release its fifth album, Future Present Past, on via Impulse! Records. The announcement arrives with the release of two tracks, “Don’t Lose Your Head” and “Vibrate Higher,” both featuring vocalist Motherboard.
Irreversible Entanglements—vocalist Camae Ayewa (also known as Moor Mother), bassist Luke Stewart, trumpeter Aquiles Navarro, saxophonist Keir Neuringer and drummer Tcheser Holmes—have established themselves as a vital force in contemporary jazz. Their music consistently grapples with themes of liberation, history, and the complexities of the present moment. Future Present Past appears to continue that trajectory, building on the foundation laid by their critically acclaimed 2023 album, Protect Your Light, which earned a place on Pitchfork’s list of the 30 Best Jazz and Experimental Albums of 2023.
The band’s statement accompanying the album release speaks to a desire to acknowledge both the weight of the world’s challenges and the potential for transformation. They describe the album as a reflection of “futures full of possibility and potential, the present with all its anxieties and uncertainties, pasts as wellsprings of ancestral wisdom and histories’ warnings.” This isn’t simply a collection of songs, but a deliberate act of channeling the energy of those who came before, “standing on the shoulders of legions” of healers, rebels, and innovators.
The collaborative spirit of Future Present Past is immediately apparent. In addition to Motherboard’s contributions to multiple tracks, Helado Negro appears on the opening and closing songs, “Juntos Vencemos” and “We Overcome,” respectively. The pairing is particularly resonant, given the thematic connection between the titles—both phrases translate to “we overcome,” one in Spanish and the other in English. This suggests a deliberate attempt to bridge linguistic and cultural divides, reinforcing the album’s message of unity and collective struggle.
The album’s tracklist reveals a blend of original compositions and potentially reimagined material. “Panamanian Fight Song” hints at a connection to historical struggles and resistance movements, while tracks like “The Messenger” and “The Spirit Moves” suggest a focus on spiritual and communicative power. The inclusion of “Hold On” and “Keep Going,” both featuring Motherboard, offers a direct message of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Irreversible Entanglements’ commitment to sonic exploration is further underscored by the album’s recording process. Future Present Past was engineered by Jonathan Schenke and mixed by Andrew Lappin, and the band returned to the legendary Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey—a space steeped in jazz history—to lay down the tracks. This choice of location isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s a conscious alignment with a lineage of groundbreaking jazz musicians who have shaped the sound of the genre.
The band’s previous work has consistently challenged conventional notions of jazz, incorporating elements of free improvisation, spoken word, and political commentary. Protect Your Light, for example, was praised for its raw emotional intensity and its unflinching examination of social injustice. The new album appears poised to continue this trend, offering a powerful and timely statement on the state of the world.
The involvement of Motherboard and Helado Negro adds further layers of complexity and nuance to the project. Motherboard, a New York-based vocalist, brings a distinctive sonic texture to the tracks she appears on, while Helado Negro’s contributions promise to expand the album’s sonic palette and thematic scope. Both artists are known for their innovative approaches to music-making and their willingness to push boundaries.
Irreversible Entanglements’ consistent output and critical acclaim have solidified their position as one of the most important and innovative jazz ensembles working today. Future Present Past represents not only a continuation of their artistic journey but also a bold statement about the power of music to inspire, challenge, and unite. The album is available for pre-order now and is expected to be a significant release in the jazz world this spring.
Future Present Past Tracklist:
01 Juntos Vencemos [feat. Helado Negro]
02 Don’t Lose Your Head [feat. Motherboard]
03 Vibrate Higher [feat. Motherboard]
04 Panamanian Fight Song
05 We Know [feat. Motherboard]
06 Hold On [feat. Motherboard]
07 Keep Going [feat. Motherboard]
08 The Messenger
09 The Spirit Moves
10 We Overcome [feat. Helado Negro]
