Is it jazz, or is it Aka Moon? That would be the question one would ask upon first listen to this stunning release from this Belgium jazz-fusion/prog band, whose latest is the third and final recording in a trilogy with the word "invisible" in the title. Comprised of seven tunes, almost all instrumental (four lengthy songs and three shorter pieces), this 11 piece powerhouse plows through layers of sophisticated, old-school styled jazz with a smattering of art rock symphonics.
Without breaking down the individual tracks, let's just say this one smolders from start to finish. You get some shuffling be-bop, some ominous and dark prog (check out "Dragon" for some creepy King Crimson-meets-Miles Davis-meets-Bill Frissell tones), and a bit of Middle Eastern tinged rock, as on the mesmerizing, 11-minute "The Wedding." The guitar work is angular and sneaky like a python roaming up a tree, the sax work melodic and forceful, the percussion acrobatic and tribal, the violins intoxicating, and the keyboard work majestic. The brief,annoying scat vocals on "Three" knock this release down just a tad and keep this from getting a perfect score, but it's a minor criticism. Overall this is a great album from a band I had not heard before, and I will surely be diving into their back catalog, and eagerly awaiting their next release. Highly recommended!
Track Listing
1) Worlds of Possible (4:13)
2) Brothers and Games (8:56)
3) Dragon (11:24)
4) The House of Siva (2:52)
5) Three (7:16)
6) The Wedding (11:12)
7) Mother of Intuition (3:39)
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