AKKU Quintet let it ride on a spacious & warm record, “rooms.music”
There’s a real pleasure in walking into a room you haven’t been in before and finding it’s bigger than you expected, and that’s the exact feeling “rooms.music” gives from the very first listen. The Swiss quintet, led by drummer Manuel Pasquinelli, has built a reputation on minimalist jazz with clear structures and hypnotic grooves, and this sixth studio album, just out November 13th, 2026, lets those walls breathe a little.
The album takes its title from the idea of musical rooms, defined spaces where five players can move, interact, and discover what’s hiding inside them. It’s a lovely concept, and it invites you to bring your own associations into each one. Every time you return, the room feels a little different, which makes this a record that rewards repeat visits. But on the first one, listen closely…
What makes it work is the balance between structure and freedom. Pasquinelli blends traditionally composed pieces with collections of plenty different kinds of musical ideas. The framework stays clear, but the musicians get room to shape the music together, drawing on years of playing side by side. You can hear that shared understanding in every exchange, the way one player picks up a thread and another answers it without missing a beat. It’s not quite improv sounding because there is structure, but the freedom is apparent. Especially on “Room 54”!
You’ll see quickly that the instrumental work is excellent throughout. Maja Nydegger’s grand piano and keys add warmth and color, Gabriel Wenger’s saxophone brings a lyrical voice to the mix, and Markus Ischer’s fingerpicked guitar weaves in a delicate, shimmering texture. Andi Schnellmann’s bass lines are a real highlight, grounding the music with a melodic pulse that’s as much a pleasure to follow as it is to feel. If you can manually EQ the bass on your headphones, turn it up! Additionally, the horns add plenty of color, but nothing ever is too much.
Mostly, the album just feels good to sit inside. It’s a total vibe, the kind of record you can put on while you work or stretch out with on a quiet evening, and it keeps opening up the more time you spend with it. Relax on your couch, go for a quiet drive, really the options are endless when it comes to a record like this that legitimately takes you on a ride. We felt the versatility was endless overall.
Clearly, “rooms.music” is a thoughtful, spacious, and inviting album, and it trusts both its musicians and its listeners. AKKU Quintet has built something lush and it’s easy to lose yourself in every room they’ve made.
Stop whatever you’re doing and give this one a spin as soon as you can. Go ahead and click those links below to enjoy, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for more.
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