MoonJune Records calls PAKT’s two-CD set, No Steps Left to Trace, “an IMAX film for the ears.” And that’s pretty darn accurate. This four-man super-collective blurs improvised progressive rock, electric jazz, experimental, ambient and psychedelic music into a rich array of sound that demands your attention, patience and respect.
PAKT is comprised of the following musicians:
• Percy Jones: Fretless bass
• Alex Skolnick: Guitar
• Kenny Grohowski: Drums
• Tim Motzer: Guitar and electronics
Recorded in one day at a studio in New York’s Catskill Mountains, the six wildly spontaneous studio cuts on the first disc demonstrate the musicians’ pedigree, which includes membership in the likes of Brand X and Testament, as well as work with Brian Eno, John Zorn, Stuart Hamm and Michael Manring. The band's photo spread across three panels in the colorful digipak showcases an impressive array of effects that allow PAKT to, well, pack so much atmospheric sound into these pieces. Until now, PAKT’s previous releases have only been live recordings, so this is the first time listeners can hear these stellar musicians work within the confines of a studio.
The second disc features five performances recorded live at three venues: “The Ghost Mills” at Traif Music Hall in Buffalo in December 2021, “NYC IV,” “NYC III” and “NYC V” at NUBLU in February 2023 and “Solar Myth” at Solar Myth in Philadelphia also in February 2023. They are stunningly different from the studio set on the first disc.
All told, you’re treated to nearly 140 minutes of improvised in-the-studio and live music that traces PAKT’s musical trajectory over a period of about 14 months. As a result, this set serves as the perfect introduction to PAKT.
Track Listing
Disc One: Studio
1. No Steps Left to Trace -- Part 1
2. No Steps Left to Trace -- Part 2
3. On the Other Side -- Part 1
4. Wormhole
5. Spontaneous Combustion
Disc Two: Live
1. The Ghost Mills
2. NYC IV
3. NYC III
4. NYC V
5. Solar Myth
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