Playing piano and synthesizers, Alexi Tuomarila brings together a muscular group in Andre Fernandes/g, Mats Eilersten/b, Olavi Louhivuori/dr, Gil Silva/tb, Jose Pedro Coelho/ts and j oao Guimaraes/as-fl for an album of muscular originals. The rhythm section is in overdrive throughout, galloping uner the leader’s synth work on “Towards Dark Light” and prancing with the horns during “Watchtower Hill”. Tuomarila’s left hand works over time with Coelho’s tenor and Guimaraes’ flute on the energetic “Inner Wasteland” while creating a rich rubato for the floating horns on “Aether”. The team does some leaping over the hurdles on “Circle” and glide through Fernandes’ guitar for “Watchtower Hill”. Flexing biceps.