Mammal Hands: Circadia (2026)

(41:09; Act Music)






















Track list:
1. Window to your World 5:15
2. Helios 4:11
3. Alia's Abandon 4:22
4. Paper Boats 4:11
5. Fallow Tide 2:24
6. Forgotten Friend 4:04
7. A Thread in the Dark 5:23
8. Four Flowers 4:48
9. Submerge 6:31

Line-up:
Nick Smart - piano
Jordan Smart - saxophone
Rob Turner - drums 


UK threesome Mammal hands has been a feature in the UK and European music scene for almost 15 years at this point, and following 5 studio albums on the label Gondwana Records the band signed with German label Act Music for their sixth and most recent studio production "Circadia" at the start of 2026. This album is also the first studio production by the band that feature their new drummer Rob Turner.

If it is one word that for me defines the compositions we are provided with on this album, then that word is elegant. This isn't a threesome that are all that fond of dramatic displays, but a more subtle, detailed and careful expressive mode of delivery appear to be a key focus throughout the different landscapes explored.

More often than not we have a balanced display here where the piano, the saxophone and the drums and percussion explore a tightly interwoven excursion into the field of classical music tinged instrumental jazz. Sometimes with a slower pace and a more mournful expression, at other times with a flowing, light toned and energetic display that comes with a more jubilant mood and atmosphere throughout. And while my impression is that the piano is the main and key instrument throughout, if not in a strictly dominant manner then at least as a core foundation for the different movements, alterations as well as the core harmonies and melodies explored, the saxophone does get to shine with more expressive as well as more flowing and elegant displays here, alongside a few instances of more subdued, atmospheric laden textures being provided. At times with a little bit of an otherworldly association coming from those specific soundscapes.

I find this production to be a strong and alluring venture into a more elegant variety of instrumental jazz with a prominent piano presence, and with if not a constant then at least a recurring association towards the classical music legacy being a part of the totality. An album to seek out by those who enjoy a more elegant and subtly expressive variety of music delivered by an instrumental jazz trio where the piano is one of the key instruments.

Olav M. Björnsen, October 2026

Links:
https://mammalhands.com/
https://www.actmusic.com/

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