FRACTAL SEXTET (AS FRACTAL SEXTET)

Fractal, what? Some associations came up immediately when getting close to this album for the first time. And true, you won't miss the point sooner or later. Known for his 'fractal' guitar work and programming first and foremost, Stephan Thelen is involved here. But on this occasion not necessarily as the absolute leading protagonist. As there is another congenial compagnion regarding the electric guitar right here on the party, US citizen Jon Durant. Furthermore, currently being very busy with several other projects, ex-Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin offers his share in quite an awesome manner. That's a highly acclaimed trio alone on its own, agreed? But wait, even more internationalism is to be expected. Already having worked in many different musical contexts they have classical trained Fabio Anile from Rome aboard, having all sorts of key instruments in supply.

Furthermore drummer Yogev Gabay, also collaborating with Israelian bands like Distorted Harmony and Anakdota. And then finally percussionist Andi Pupato, who is closing the world embracing circle in Switzerland again. In either way highly disciplined concerning the instrumental execution I'm quite sure this is based on improvisations more or less. The experienced sextet is promising and providing a remarkable synergy. While having a soft spot for psychedelic and space rock infected music it caught me right from the first moment. Significant for this sort of music is its looping and captivating flow. I mean, the opening track Zeptoscope will prove that as no other.

The album showcases an inspired conglomerate of fusion, ambient space, trance and krautrock. Regarding the final verdict, well, maybe it depends on where you are coming from. Being quite familiar with the recent Stephan Thelen albums I'm torn a bit. That special dynamic and groove, the infinite fractal variations, it all sounds a bit single-tracked in the meanwhile. Including Fabio Anile's splendid piano lines and Andi Pupato's extraordinary percussion work, exemplarily to note on Point Of Inflection, this production is standing on its own nonetheless, comes close to a masterpiece by all means.