INSIDE//OUTSIDE

One of the latest productions in the world of avant-jazz is the debut album of this Belgian- American band. They make relaxing instrumental music with a lot of electrical effects and also many different acoustic instruments. In some parts, they sound a lot like Pekka Pohjola's work, while at other moments you can hear some Ozric Tentacles-influences. This combined makes a fine, but not very spectacular album.

The album starts off with 'Anthem', a song with a very strong trumpet beat in the beginning, followed by a synthesizer solo, and ending in the same trumpet line.

'Resonance' is a calmer piece, with again a lot of trumpet and this time also a small orchestra to create a dreamy jazz sound. This one especially shows resemblances with Pekka Pohjola.

One of the longer songs is 'Self-Portrait in Three Shades of Mauve'. This is a more dramatic piece with multiple strong electronic beats and melodic solos. After the aggressive start, it does slow down after two minutes and slowly builds up again towards the end.

Then another more relaxed, but slightly mad piece, 'Desert of the Real'. Mind here the wicked distorted guitar-like sound and the heavy rhodes.

'Is This Who We Are' is one of the highlights, and also the longest piece on the album. The violins are stronger here than on the rest of the album. This, and the bass guitar, make a quite dramatic atmosphere. After six minutes, there is a final build up rounding off the song with the same drama as in the beginning with the same troubling bass line.

'Effervescent' is a catchy song with a very electronic sound in the beginning, and later the addition of the very natural sounding trumpet and piano. Then, suddenly it turns around and there is a wild synthesizer solo, which then suddenly turns back into that mixed sound, which is so typical for this album.

'Program' features that sound even more, with a strange mix of electro-beats and orchestral sounds. These effects add some colour to the album, while they are also a bit disturbing, especially at the moments where they feel a bit forced into the music. That makes that it is one of the weaknesses of the album.

The album ends in 'Surrender', maybe the most calm piece, and also the most beautiful one. Here, there is main role for the piano, which is practically keeping the song going. The last two minutes are actually just a piano solo, which is in my opinion a good way to end the album.

This album is recommended for anyone who's into experimental jazz and for jazz fans in general. It's main weaknesses are the lack of coherence, and the slightly boring sound. Not interesting for all prog fans, but not at all bad.