Sons of Ra - Standard Deviation (2025) [Hi-Res]

Two decades have passed since SONS OF RA emerged onto Chicago's scene with their fusion of heavy prog, jazz, math rock, and elements of avant-garde. Initially a line-blurring experiment based on improvised music, the trio has proven that the itchings of jazz fusion aficionados and math/progressive rock/metal purists can both enjoy the same musical relief.

The band independently released four EPs since 2016, culminating with the critically acclaimed six-part suite Tropic of Cancer in 2024.

Now, SONS OF RA evolves with their full-length album debut Standard Deviation, diving deeper into roots of avant-garde jazz, fusion, math and progressive rock while maintaining a powerful metallic crunch. The album features interpretations of compositions from jazz legends Carla Bley, John Coltrane, and Don Ellis, balanced with a collection of original compositions reflecting the group’s diverse influences.

Standard Deviation was recorded and mixed by Spenser Morris (Saor, Panopticon) and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Alan Douches. The cover art is a commissioned painting by Chicago-area artist Nick Gurley.

Erik Oldman: Guitar/Bass/Synth
Keith Wakefield: Bass Guitar/Tenor Saxophone/Synth
Michael Rataj: Drums

Tracklist:
1-1 Sons of Ra - Disintegration (Alabama Revisted) [7:33]
1-2 Sons of Ra - Outside Looking In [4:39]
1-3 Sons of Ra - Don't Know Yet [3:58]
1-4 Sons of Ra - Intrepidation [6:49]
1-5 Sons of Ra - Vashkar [4:47]
1-6 Sons of Ra - Upstart [5:43]
1-7 Sons of Ra - Porous Silver [3:59]
1-8 Sons of Ra - Nature Boy [6:03]
1-9 Sons of Ra - Lividity and the Ascension [3:20]