They’re a free-improvisation power trio that purports to a methodology driven my combustible outbursts amid patches of shifting patterns and more. Here, British alto/baritone saxophonist Alan Wilkinson projects a fire and brimstone element into these largely, forceful works. On baritone sax, Wilkinson sounds like he’s sawing wood, reinforced by surging lines and rippling choruses. In addition, bassist Marcio Mattos and drummer Steve Noble counter and sometimes mimic the saxophonist as they all reside within the same plane. Some of these works feature Noble’s snappy rim-shots, yet the big picture is built upon the artists’ astute means of feeding off each other’s ideas and spinning them into fleeting movements. However, on certain pieces the trio delves into introspective sequences, sometimes augmented by an eerie silence, marked by subtle hues. But the band generally finds a way to bust loose via ominously enacted movements.
Given the "free form" scenario, the trio succeeds at sounding remarkably coherent and focused. It’s a wake-up call for those who might be accustomed to listening to discordant blowing sessions that reek of imitation and aimless intentions. Simply put, the musicians’ uncanny interactions, strong thematic developments and continual re-engineering processes provide thrills a minute. (Exuberantly recommended.... )
