CD Review: Nikola Bankov, Everwanted

Nikola Bankov’s 3rd album as a leader, “Everwanted,” presents a compelling fusion of jazz, Nordic synth-pop, and contemporary sonic textures that resist simple categorization. With a background of collaborations with prominent figures such as Randy Brecker, Seamus Blake, and Tim Lefebvre, Bankov makes a confident and original statement in this project, bringing together a quintet of like minded musicians to realize his vision for this recording. The album draws inspiration from Bankov’s move from Denmark to Switzerland where he pursued his master’s in jazz saxophone, and adapting life experiences from this pivotal time into a sound that is at once challenging and accessible.

The album opens with “Everything I Have,” an extended statement marked by the alto saxophone’s commanding tone and, at times, a contemporary West Coast jazz sensibility edged with immediacy and power. This track firmly sets the tone, highlighting Bankov’s saxophone as both storyteller and protagonist. The featured guitar work adds sharpness to the texture, complementing the saxophone’s voice rather than competing with it.

“5AM” begins with a mysterious, somewhat foreboding atmosphere that grows into a lean, powerhouse track defined by an assertive guitar solo that grabs attention and shifts the energy dynamically. The darker hues introduced here contrast with moments elsewhere on the album and attest to the variety of moods Bankov explores. Such contrasts deepen the album’s overall impact, inviting repeated listenings to fully appreciate its complexities.

The trio’s interaction is particularly notable in “What’s Next?,” where a bass solo emerges with clarity, providing space for Frederik Bak’s contributions on synth and electric bass. This track exemplifies Bankov’s compositional aim to avoid conventional jazz forms, favoring extended, evolving structures and shifting rhythmic accents that lend a poly-metric feel, supporting and accentuating the thematic material. The emphasis here is on the music’s architecture as much as individual improvisation.

“On Repeat” provides a moment of respite, featuring airy synth pads that create an evocative backdrop for Bankov’s tenor narrative on alto saxophone. His solo is measured, with a slow build that reveals melodic patience and emotional depth, contrasting with the more aggressive opening pieces. It is a clear demonstration of the nuanced dynamics and textural gradations that underpin the album.

“Eleven:Eleven” stands out as a highlight—a heavier, rhythmically dense track driven by a piano solo whose harmonic language seems distinct from the main groove, yet integrates with remarkable effect. The piano’s compelling voice adds a layer of complexity, balancing tension and melody in a way that sustains the listener’s curiosity. This combination of seemingly disparate elements typifies the album’s approach to blending voices and styles without diluting artistic intent.

“Peace of Mind” brings in Tim Lefebvre on electric bass, introducing a duo format with Bankov’s saxophone that shifts the album’s texture and momentarily contrasts with the quintet’s full sound. This track ventures into a more introspective space, its minimalist arrangement underscoring the musical dialogue and the expressive potential of restraint. Lefebvre’s status as a collaborator with David Bowie and Donny McCaslin asserts a further layer of pedigree to the recording, and his contributions add gravitas in a sparse but impactful setting.

The closing track “Fast Life,” featuring guitarist Tom Ford, further exemplifies the album’s willingness to subvert expectations. Its unpredictable transition from intro to main theme surprises the listener, and Ford’s edgy, angular guitar solo captures the West Coast jazz influence Bankov admires while maintaining a raw contemporary energy. The piece melds well with the album’s overarching theme of pushing boundaries and offering an “in your face” musical statement that is also rooted in compositional sophistication.

Sonically, the album is well produced, capturing the clarity and punch of each instrument in the way one would expect from an album of this genre. Bankov’s sound and expressive range, creates an atmosphere that push’s the music beyond purely acoustic realms into a space where jazz and sound design meet.

While the album might be difficult to confine to a single genre, is it fusion, West Coast, punk jazz? Who cares, maybe it’s just cool! It’s this difficulty in itself that is this album’s strength. Bankov’s focus on clear melodies balanced with complex compositional forms where solos feel integral to the structure rather than mere extensions of jam sessions reflects a thoughtful and deliberate artistic process. His intention to create music that sounds accessible despite harmonic and rhythmic complexity is realized through the ensemble’s tight cohesion and interpretative clarity.

“Everwanted” is a statement of intent from Nikola Bankov, showcasing a leader ready to engage while carving out a unique path informed by personal experience and diverse influences. For those interested in something unique, this album provides a rich and compelling listening experience, marked by craftsmanship, energy, and inventiveness.

Release Details:
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Format: Digital | CD
Label: AMP Music & Records