FRAGILE

The first four tracks are very solid, no complaints really but that fifth number called "Discus Discussion" the second longest one on here is what I call a throwaway, but listening to that synth guitar and djembe from the drummer is not a change in direction I appreciate. Island sounds abound. Two tracks I do really appreciate are "Mysterious Region" and "Brain Thinks Body Electric" and we know where the title from the last one comes from. The bass on both tracks are outstanding while the guitar gets a little jazzy on the latter before letting loose. Then there's the closer where I'm waiting for Frank Sinatra to start singing. No.

So a little too hit and miss for my tastes but this is a high quality band who haven't released a bad album.

This 2000 release sounds amazing and to hear each of these guys do their thing at such a high level is a real treat. I have a few of their records but "5" is my favourite, the most consistent and impressive, a keeper. They change things up nicely here with a variety of tunes including the pretty "Snow Tulip" with the impressive bass. That opener "Vacuum Bottle" is a powerful start with that heavy rhythm section and the guitar soloing over top. The closer "Cosmos" matches that but in more of a rock style. In fact it surpasses the opener in heaviness and it's my favourite. "Dagon Fish" is about the tempo changes and outbursts. More of that energy and power on "Latte" including a bass solo. "Belvedere" has some funky bass while they amp it up on "Daisy" before settling back on "Fuchsia" with synth guitar.

I don't love this style of Jazz/Fusion but I sure admire it. Apparently when they first started they were a five piece with sax and keyboards but those two left before that first '96 debut. For fans of complex jazzy music.