Oreglo – ‘The Whirr’ EP Review: Buzzy Jazz Trio Break Free from the Expected

London’s Oreglo blend jazz with post-punk, hip-hop, and prog rock in their bold new EP ‘The Whirr.’

If you thought a London jazz trio’s latest EP would tiptoe around classic jazz territory, think again. Oreglo’s ‘The Whirr’ kicks off with a powerhouse Foo Fighters-inspired riff and a voice urging you to “please remain seated” and “fasten your seatbelts”—a thrilling start that sets the tone for this genre-bending ride. As a longtime fan of the London jazz scene, witnessing this fearless creativity feels like watching a daring new chapter unfold.

From Roots in London’s Youth Music Scene to Bold New Horizons

The trio behind Oreglo—guitarist Linus Barry, drummer Nicco Rocco, and tuba player Teigan Hastings—weren’t just plucked out of nowhere. They grew up jamming in the same youth music groups that Ezra Collective famously highlighted during their 2023 Mercury Music Prize win. That spirit of free-flowing experimentation bubbled through their debut EP, Not Real People, which offered a laid-back, almost meandering blend of jazz, dance, and dub vibes.

But now? Oreglo have dialed up the urgency without losing their playfulness. ‘The Whirr’ feels like an adrenaline shot to their earlier style. It’s like watching a jazz trio who’ve tasted freedom and decided to throw the rulebook out the window.

A Frenzied Journey Through Genres

The title track opens with a warped stadium rock vibe that quickly morphs into something far more complex. Oreglo mash up menacing post-punk, groovy jazz fusion, soulful gang vocals, sci-fi prog rock, and even a chaotic hip-hop breakdown. It’s a five-minute rollercoaster that somehow never feels messy or overstuffed. Instead, it grabs you by the collar and pulls you along with fierce confidence.

Tracks That Play with Your Expectations

The EP doesn’t let up after that opener. Take ‘Don Gino’—a piano-driven groove that feels loose and experimental, as if Oreglo challenged themselves to bend traditional song structures into something new and exciting. The track’s explosive finale is a joyful payoff, full of swagger and personality.

Then there’s ‘Speedbump!’—a snarling rock tune at first glance but don’t blink, because things take a wild turn. After a stark “enough!” cry, the track morphs into a mini crime drama, with vibes reminiscent of Eminem and Dr. Dre’s iconic Guilty Conscience. Electric guitars squeal as theatrical flair creeps in, showcasing the trio’s ever-growing creative range.

‘Red Shift’ takes us down a different path altogether, plunging into lush, cinematic soundscapes that feel like a soundtrack to a sci-fi epic. And finally, the EP closes with ‘Bosté,’ an eight-minute instrumental odyssey balancing epic musical showmanship with the intimate chemistry of the band. It’s like watching fireworks and feeling the underlying heartbeat all at once.

An Ambitious and Focused Sound

What’s astonishing about ‘The Whirr’ is how this bubbling stew of influences—from post-punk to hip-hop—feels like a cohesive statement rather than a chaotic experiment. Each leftfield twist and unexpected genre hop seems carefully placed to keep you on your toes while inviting you deeper into Oreglo’s vision.

This EP is a swaggering showcase of giddy freedom, but it’s also fiercely focused. The band demands your full attention, rewarding listeners who are willing to embrace their wild, genre-defying ride.

Details

• Record label: Brownswood Recordings
• Release date: November 28, 2025

FAQ

• What genres influence Oreglo’s ‘The Whirr’ EP?
  The EP blends jazz with post-punk, prog rock, hip-hop, and cinematic soundscapes.
• Who are the members of Oreglo?
  Linus Barry (guitar), Nicco Rocco (drums), and Teigan Hastings (tuba).
• How does ‘The Whirr’ differ from Oreglo’s previous work?
  It’s more urgent and genre-blending compared to the relaxed, dub-infused vibe of their debut EP.
• When was ‘The Whirr’ released?
  November 28, 2025.
• Which record label released ‘The Whirr’?
  Brownswood Recordings.

Feeling inspired by Oreglo’s adventurous sound? Bring that creative energy home with a poster of your favorite album cover—shop our carefully curated collection at Architeg Prints and celebrate the music that moves you.