Matt Lavelle plays cornet, flugelhorn and alto clarinet as he conducts a large scale band through a half dozen originals. You get a mix of reeds, woodwinds, strings and various things like vibes, mandola and banjo ere, and the mood is high in experimentation. There is some clever orchestration as on the rich buildup on “Solidarity” before reeds start delivering a shrill and shriek. There’s eerie sighing of the reed section as strings and winds crash around the tenor sax on “Brooklyn Mountain” while foreboding strings and voice prepare you for funereal growling on “Knee Braces.” Chris Forbes’ piano opens up to wailing and swaying reeds that hearken to Asian harmonies on “Faith” just after melancholy reeds squawk on “Moonflower Interlude.” Jarring, thrilling and flailing, comprising a sonic food fight.
Unseen Rain Records