The Mainliners

About

The Mainliners aren't just playing jazz; they're meticulously dismantling and rebuilding it, brick by sonic brick. The Montreal-based quartet, fronted by guitarist Alex Manourian, crafts a hypnotic blend of modal jazz, psychedelic rock, and krautrock rhythms that sounds both intensely familiar and utterly alien. Manourian's guitar, often drenched in reverb, snakes through Olivier Salazar's intricate drum patterns and the deep bass grooves of Jean-Francois Alarie, creating a vortex of sound that pulls the listener into their cosmic orbit. Their ascent has been a slow burn, fueled by relentless touring and a series of self-released EPs that steadily garnered critical acclaim. The breakthrough came with their 2021 self-titled album, which showcased their ability to transform simple melodies into sprawling, improvisational journeys. The album's success led to collaborations with artists like saxophonist Isaiah Ceccarelli, further solidifying their place in Montreal's thriving experimental music scene. The Mainliners aren't chasing fame; they’re cultivating an artistic space where jazz’s improvisational spirit can collide with the adventurousness of psychedelic exploration. Currently, The Mainliners are rumored to be working on a new studio album, promising an even deeper dive into their sonic experimentation.