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.
Album Release date: Friday 29th May 2026
Single 1 drops: Friday 10th April
Single 2 drops: Friday 8th May
Pre-launch gig: Sun 26th April - Royal Albert pub, Deptford, London
Album Launch Gig: Thurs 18th June – SJQ, 10A Bradbury Street, London
Press Quotes
“Bainbridge, a winner of the John Dankworth prize for composition in 2017, favours angular yet snappy contemporary grooves and plays great alongside the fine Chaos Collective bassist Huw V Williams...a promising debut.” – Jazzwise
“What characterises all the tracks is the complex and shifting approach to rhythm that comes from Bainbridge’s intricate compositions.” – London Jazz News
“The standard of the playing is exceptional throughout and the level of interaction impressive, with Bainbridge subtly directing procedures from the drums.” – The Jazz Mann
"The quality of the performance from each of the musicians is quite outstanding, due in part to the high levels of their intercommunication and collaboration" – Jazz Views
LUKE BAINBRIDGE - PETSTEP
Format: DL / CD / LP
Cat No: CSX001 / CSX001CD / CSX001LP
Label: Crossing Styx Records
Side A:
01 Hell’s Stairwell
02 Petstep
03 Hair of the Dog
Side B:
04 Spillage in the Village
05 It’ll Pass
06 Septstep
07 Well Farewell
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