So, Robin’s 17th album is another under the label TFU, but this is with a different line-up to that which appeared elsewhere and the only one not to feature Karsten Vogel (here replaced by Kim Menzer). As one would exepct from TFU – this is improvisational music at the cutting edge of avant-garde. I was intrigued to see that the prog bible dprp.net gave this just 1/10, which says way more about the person writing that particular review than it does about the music itself. Yes, this is not easy listening and yes it is challenging – but that is exactly what it is supposed to be! This is not music that is aimed for large audiences and radio programmes, but music that is challenging and on the edge. Dissonance and the use of free form definitely has its’ place in modern music, as much as it did in classical.
There are some incredibly complex passages within this and the short Nice ‘n’ Easy interplays are just superb. There are some great bass runs within this as the musicians all go off their own way, possibly never to return but may they just might. There is a lot of space in this album, and the use of the lack of sound and gaps where there could be notes is just as important as the notes they actually play. Again, if you enjoy avant-garde jazz and music that is out there then try this – if you want simple repeated harmonies then don’t!
