Luke Bainbridge’s second album PETSTEP weaves avant chamber jazz and improv into a palindromic, emotionally charged cycle shaped by grief and growth.
Following the critically acclaimed Surface Tension, the lineup of Huw V Williams (bass), Ralph Wyld (vibraphone), Kieran McLeod (trombone) and Luke Bainbridge (drums) returns to double down on the quartet's “distinct and identifiable voice” (Jazz Views). In this new set of compositions, Bainbridge reflects on the difficult first steps of adulthood, following the loss of a family pet.
With influences ranging from MF DOOM to Olivier Messiaen, PETSTEP channels experimental composition, hip-hop energy and virtuosic contemporary jazz interplay into a bold and inventive album.
Reviews for PETSTEP
“No tune lets this album down. PETSTEP has bags of energy, freedom and charisma...proof that “difficult” music needn’t be difficult listening." 5/5 UK Vibe
“Bainbridge’s nuanced, intellectual yet gutsy quartet play like a Rolls-Royce engine." – Prog Magazine
"It's a heady, bitchy brew of attitudinal jazz with Zappa-esque flourishes." - Jazzwise
"a playful affair... [Bainbridge] whips up an array of flavours...with all manner of funkin’ in between. Comes in lyric inner sleeve with an extended blurb by Bainbridge." - The Arts Desk
"Spillage In The Village is a deceptively complex hybrid of avant-jazz and quasi-rap. It’s a unique, nutty curio." – Prog Magazine
"‘PETSTEP shows development of intent and execution, and reaffirms Bainbridge’s quartet as skilled masters of dynamic groove" Jazz Views
Radio Spins for PETSTEP
"We started the show with a London stalwart Luke Bainbridge... Fantastic drummer... really good music." Gordon Wedderburn - One Jazz Radio
“Excellent new British jazz from drummer Luke Bainbridge…and a lovely chemistry between the lot of them” - Chris Phillips - One Jazz Radio
“great record..great drummer and rapper” - Karl Bos - Soho Radio
"to close, here's something new from UK drummer and composer Luke Bainbridge...This is It'll Pass. Happy International Jazz Day and Goodnight." - Soweto Kinch - 'Round Midnight BBC Radio 3
"I would encourage anyone to go and look at the video on YouTube for [Spillage in the Village], because it shows the band recording it live... and Luke Bainbridge playing the drums and rapping at the same time. Truly worth seeing." - Twm Dylan - Radio Sudd
PETSTEP - LUKE BAINBRIDGE
Format: DL / CD / LP
Cat No: CSX001 / CSX001CD / CSX001LP
Label: Crossing Styx Records
Credits
Kieran McLeod –Trombone
Ralph Wyld – Vibraphone
Huw V Williams – Bass
Luke Bainbridge – Drums
All compositions, lyrics and vocals by Luke Bainbridge
Recorded at Lightship 95 – 15th & 16th July 2024
Recording, Mixing and Mastering Engineer - David Holmes
Produced by Luke Bainbridge, David Holmes and Kieran McLeod
Artwork and Design – Conor Quinn
© ℗ Crossing Styx Records 2026