sml – how you been
January 8, 2026
released: november 7th, 2025
genre: jazz
from: los angeles, usa
label: international anthem
a few thoughts: sml is the quintet of bassist anna butterss, synthesist jeremiah chiu, saxophonist josh johnson, percussionist booker stardrum, and guitarist gregory uhlmann. how you been is their second full length album, and oh my is it a treat. over 13 tracks, the group are able to craft some of the most infectious, intricate and rhythmic compositions i’ve heard in a while. the bass-heavy compositions feel empowering and loud, with tracks like “taking out the trash” and “how you been” being clear standouts for me. there’s the heavy, abrasive saxophone leads are complemented by intricate and lively drumming, and frantic synth and guitar leads. it’s a heavy, eclectic and disorienting listen. the more subdued and quiet energy of “old mytth” and “moving walkway” contrast the harshness of some of the more upbeat tracks, with more meditative and reflective moments that are quite hypnotic throughout. “stepping in / the loop” is also another highlight, a jittery, meandering track with a funky, 80s synth-pop influence, both in the synth melody, but also the funky drumming throughout. overall, this is one of the most exciting and interesting jazz releases of 2025, and i can’t wait to experience them live at some point in the future.
the album:
How You Been
1.Gutteral Utterance
- Gutteral Utterance 01:17
- Chicago Four 03:33
- Taking out the Trash 04:22
- Plankton 01:15
- Chicago Three 03:37
- Daves 03:32
- Old Mytth 04:06
- Stepping In / The Loop 04:56
- Brood Board SHROOM 01:53
- Odd Evens 01:57
- How You Been 04:15
- Moving Walkway 04:31
- Mouth Words 04:38