j(A)zz! | Synesthetic4 (AT)

Founded in 2017 by Vincent Pongracz and Peter Rom, Synesthetic4's profile is fundamentally defined by complex yet catchy rhythmic formulas that draw from hip hop, contemporary groove and electronic music, lending an urban edge to the band's songs. The humour and sometimes downright bizarre effect is provided by abstract folk melodies, inspired by Olivier Messiaen, alongside gibberish dubbed "dada rap". The real speciality of the band lies not in the ingredients, but in the presentation, the way they combine aesthetic qualities, balancing profane and sophisticated musical elements, and combining an avant-garde artistic approach with the need to entertain. An essential part of their musical work is the making of music videos, in which the members often take on the guise of different characters and perform carefully thought-out choreography. No wonder they won the first Austrian Jazz Award for Best Live Performance in 2024.