I did have one thought about ten seconds into listening to this album: It's kinda like if King Crimson went full Bitches Brew--something that never quite happened, unfortunately. And then I read the notes, and apparently that was the goal all along. So if you don't want to read any more, accept my "very fucking well done!" for the effort and start playing immediately.

Xavi Reija Electric Quintet Nu Breed (MoonJune)

But that pithy description misses what truly makes this album impressive. Yes, Dusan Jetovic's atonal and fuzzed out guitar substitutes nicely for Miles' trumpet, and Tomás Fosch's Moog can really cook. But Xavi Reija has assembled a band that can play these impressive variations on a theme in real time. I assume there are a few overdubs, but this very much has the feel of a live-to-tape set, something that is miles away from the influences mentioned above.

Reija is a drummer and the composer, and as is generally true with most percussion-led ensembles, the pieces never stop moving. Reija is capable of playing just about anything, and he shifts styles and tempos as the needs of his mates evolves. On "Dreamland", his connection with bassist Brnat Hernandez is almost otherworldly. That song starts strong and then spins its way into something delirious.

The only member of the group I haven't mentioned is Rafael Garacés, who handles the sax load. He frequently holds down the fort melodically while the rest of the quintet splinters into fantasia. In short, while this group was assembled for these sessions, they clearly have a great feel for what everyone else needs—and what the song needs, too. These guys started with an obvious set of influences, but they built something completely different and fully realized. Amazing stuff.

Jon Worley