TAUK

Release Date: September 5, 2025

Genre: Instrumental Rock, Funk, Progressive Rock, Jam Band

 

BennyD, contributor

As a long-time fan who has had the pleasure of seeing TAUK light up the stage here in Portsmouth, NH, and has proudly featured them on my radio show, the "Ben Jammin' Jam Band Hour," getting a new album from them is always a big deal for me. The New York-based instrumental quartet is back with "Somewhere Between Here and There," and this one really shows off their knack for blending genres and exploring new sounds. The band—Matt Jalbert (guitar), Charlie Dolan (bass), Alric "A.C." Carter (keys), and Isaac Teel (drums)—still has that classic TAUK sound, but they're definitely pushing themselves into some cool new places.
 

On "Somewhere Between Here and There," you can really hear how tight they are from years of touring. The album flows really well, moving from heavy, complex prog-rock to chill funk grooves and huge atmospheric soundscapes.
 

The album pulls you right in with the opening track, "Eldridge Awakes," which kicks things off perfectly. It feels like a throwback tune just dripping with a classic funk-soul vibe. The single they released beforehand gave a good taste of the album's diversity. "Hot Brown," featuring the horn section from Lettuce, is a straight-up party starter, mixing TAUK's tight playing with the energy of live brass. Then you have a track like "Song for Salma," which shows their more melodic side, where Jalbert's guitar work really sings.
 

Throughout the album, the way these guys play off each other is just incredible. AC's keyboard work really stands out, laying down rich textures and jumping in with solos that are not just technically nuts, but also full of feeling. Dolan and Teel are an unstoppable rhythm section, making even the most complex rhythms feel groovy and danceable.
 

What I love about this album is how it keeps you guessing. Just when you think you know where a song is headed, it'll suddenly switch gears and go somewhere totally new. That adventurous spirit is what makes TAUK so special, and it’s all over this record. My guess is that these particular songs will allow the band to take them in all sorts of amazing directions when they play them live.
 

The whole album blends together, but every song has its own vibe. You get everything from spacey synth jams to heavy, guitar-driven rock, but it always sounds like TAUK. The overall production is pristine.
 

TAUK has really put together something special with "Somewhere Between Here and There." If you're already a fan, you're going to love it. If you're new to TAUK, this is a great place to start. It's one of those albums you can listen to over and over and still find new things to like. If you're into amazing musicianship and instrumental music that takes you on a ride, you've got to check this one out.