Ronny Heimdal Time Quake

Icy Scandinavian arrangements (cf. Miles Davis' Aura) do battle for space with Zappa-like and, of course, Rypdal-sounding solos on this lengthy, near 70 minute CD. Synth textures repeatedly hint of Garbarek's recent Rites while funkier textures move towards the grungier end of the spectrum - not easy to incorporate into the same track, but tight playing and well structured compositions make it work here. Even if you are into this more abstracted jazz rock, on some tracks sparse pounding backbeats can be monotonous, while on others the drumming is imaginative and complex. Switches in tempo and canny use of exciting keyboard snippets and acoustic interventions keep the ear interested, making even the shred-like material more than just enjoyable.