Here we have the Norwegian avant-garde jazz ensemble Elephant9, who are comprised of keyboard player Ståle Storløkken, bassist Nikolai Hængsle, and drummer Torstein Lofthus, joined here in this live set by guitarist Reine Fiske. Psychedelic Backfire II follows part one, each recorded during a four day stint at Kampen Bistro in Oslo. Containing four lengthy tracks, the album kicks off with the rumbling, groove laden psychedelic-jazz monster "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", complete with plenty of keyboard pyrotechnics from Storløkken and a scorching effects laden solo courtesy of Fiske. "Skink/FugiFonix" is a more jazz-fusion styled rocker, highlighted by frantic rhythms and a blazing Hammond organ solo that hints at classic Keith Emerson, Jon Lord, and Vincent Crane, not to be outdone by Fiske's bluesy guitar solo that take the band into an explosive, almost Tony Williams Lifetime-ish finale. The addicting grooves continue with the slow builder "Habanera Rocket", Miles Davis On the Corner styled jazz-funk, fueled by wild Hammond and some of the thickest bass you've heard in eons, and the four piece conclude the album with the bombastic prog-fusion workout "Freedom's Children/John Tinnick", an explosive tour-de-force of chaotic sounds featuring loud guitars (check out the great nod to Ritchie Blackmore at the end), Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ, bulbous bass, and rumbling drums. Nearly 19-minutes of high energy music, and a great track to close out this set.
So far, everything I've heard from the Rune Gammofon label has been stellar, and if you are fan of loud, raucous instrumental jazz-fusion/prog, you'd be wise to check out this album as well any of their recent releases.
Track Listing
1) You Are the Sunshine of My Life
2) Skink/Fugi Fonix
3) Habanera Rocket
4) Freedom's Children/John Tinnick
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