Dee Byrne - convincing and uncomplacent. Photo: via Bandcamp

A sextet tearing at the edges of modernistic closely arranged and harmonised salty clashes and clamour on 'Capsule' finds Moonlight Saving Time's Nick Malcolm joining altoist leader Dee Byrne and clarinettist Tom Ward in the frequently combustible front line. Ward's bass clarinet playing on 'The Dance' much later is one of quite a few significant moments. 'Flow State' is led off by a drum solo, the work of Andrew Lisle - recall his role in the defiantly cultish merry pranksters Shatner's Bassoon - who later is even better on 'Don't Mess With Me'. Recorded in a Birmingham studio a couple of years ago the momentum eases up on 'Arrow of Time' where there is more space for pianist Rebecca Nash whose Redefining Element 78 was a highlight last year and we reviewed live in these pages back in the spring. Nash switches to Rhodes for 'On The Other Side' and there is a logic to this reset. And on her introduction to 'Liberation' she produces a unique atmosphere. Double bassist Olie Brice's beat on 'Immersion' is more like finding the Rosetta Stone in terms of feel and that loose swinging sense deciphers Outlines succinctly and presents another highlight along with Malcolm's trumpet solo nearby. Brice goes avant garde on 'We Are Expriencing Turbulence' that works in its dystopian mood signposting, his legato bowed lines a backdrop to ominous horns. Byrne remains a pace setter and team player making a difference embedded within the horns and in the direction. Out today. Dee Byrne plays the Vortex on 4 July

MORE READING AND LISTENING:

• Entropi, New Era - 2015