Mighty Vertebrate by Anna Butterss: A Genre-Defying Journey

THE BEST RECORD OF THE YEAR : Number 15

Anna Butterss, an Australian-born bassist now based in Los Angeles, has built an impressive career as a session musician, collaborating with icons like Phoebe Bridgers, Jason Isbell, and Jenny Lewis. Known for her versatility on both upright and electric bass, Butterss has also explored avant-garde jazz with luminaries like Jeff Parker and Makaya McCraven. Mighty Vertebrate, her second solo album, is a testament to her brilliance as a composer and multi-instrumentalist, showcasing an eclectic blend of genres that transcends categorization.

Crafted as a series of compositional challenges, the album explores everything from jazz and post-rock to hip-hop and electronica. Butterss embraces a fluid approach to instrumentation, incorporating not only her signature bass but also synths, drum machines, and even flute. Each track feels like its own experiment while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the record.

The opening track, “Bishop,” sets the stage with a tight bassline that immediately grabs your attention, establishing a groove that underpins the melodic and rhythmic explorations to follow. “Dance Steve,” featuring Jeff Parker, combines a cerebral groove with a body-moving rhythm, showcasing Butterss’s ability to merge complexity with accessibility. Parker’s shimmering guitar work complements Butterss’s foundation perfectly, creating one of the album’s standout moments.

“Lubbock” channels the influence of post-rock pioneers like Tortoise, with a repeating guitar motif and Josh Johnson’s stately saxophone lending a hypnotic quality. In contrast, the tender and cinematic “Ella” evokes Angelo Badalamenti’s lush soundtracks, while “Breadrich” ventures into hip-hop territory with Spanish-language vocal samples and beat-driven textures.

Throughout Mighty Vertebrate, Butterss’s bass is both an anchor and a storyteller. Her playing is understated yet pivotal, whether grounding the atmospheric “Seeing You” with a sonorous line or opening up harmonic spaces for collaborators like Gregory Uhlmann and Ben Lumsdaine to shine. The album’s production, while meticulous, feels organic, allowing each track to unfold naturally and surprise the listener at every turn.

What makes Mighty Vertebrate so compelling is its refusal to adhere to a single style. It’s an album that invites listeners to engage deeply, yet it also works beautifully as a backdrop to daily life—akin to a curated playlist of complementary yet diverse sounds. This duality is a testament to Butterss’s skill as a composer, creating music that is intellectually stimulating while remaining emotionally resonant.

Mighty Vertebrate is a triumph for Anna Butterss, marking her as a vital voice in contemporary music. With its genre-fluid approach, inventive compositions, and undeniable charm, this album cements her reputation as not just a bassist but a visionary artist. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply someone looking for fresh, boundary-pushing music, Mighty Vertebrate is a must-listen