Becoming

Released in late 2018, Becoming serves as a bridge between Mammal Hands' larger studio statements, offering a concentrated dose of their signature 'hypnotic jazz' sound. Comprising three tracks, the EP highlights the trio's unique chemistry, where Jordan Smart (saxophones), Nick Smart (piano), and Jesse Barrett (drums/percussion) operate as a single rhythmic organism. The absence of a bass player is not a deficit here; rather, it allows for a cleaner, more crystalline frequency range where the piano's lower register provides a percussive, woody foundation. Recorded with the dry, intimate clarity typical of Gondwana Records releases, the EP emphasizes the organic textures of the instruments. Critical reception noted the band's ability to blend Steve Reich-inspired minimalism with the spiritual jazz lineage of Pharoah Sanders, resulting in a sound that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant. It remains a fan-favorite for its focused, meditative quality.