This CD stands as my initial introduction to this Norwegian/Swedish progressive-jazz quartet which according to its website, was founded in 1999. Yet one of the noticeable factors with this unit’s methodology is steeped within a tight knit scope of ideas, encompassing various metrics. For example on "Tremplin," the hornists sound as though they’re dancing on eggshells via subtle thematic buildups and floating crescendos. In effect, the musicians don’t seem compelled to rush into anything. They often take their time during improvisational flurries and theme-based developments.

Many of these works consist of deeply probing motifs, where avant-blues movements depict notions of traversing dark alleyways and mystical environs. But on "Concombre," the frontline improvises atop a slow-moving rock pulse, all driven home by Hallvard M. Godal’s angular sax lines as the band pursues darting curvatures and plaintive cries. Then on "Rio po Ombe," they soar skyward while executing majestic unison choruses and sojourns into the free-zone.

The band’s approach resides within an opaque area that straddles the fringes of Euro, avant-garde jazz frameworks and modern, progressive. And repeated spins divulge previously undetected nuances that provide a stream of subliminal surprises. A curiously-interesting and entertainingly mind-bending program that poses more than just a few articulately expressed propositions.