Sonic Liberation Front: Water and Stone

All of the compositions on Water and Stone rely upon a polyrhythmic foundation. The ever- shifting net of drums, shakers, and bells draws upon Santeria as well as subtle electronic looping effects. Laid atop this rhythmic fabric, organic melodies sing forth, in addition to the occasional traditional Cuban vocals. And then, when you least expect it, the mass explodes into polyphonic split-tone freedom. These bursts generate a higher level of energy, because the free jazz edge contrasts strongly with melodic anchors and interwoven rhythms. Hard to describe, hard to resist, and hard to put down: the underlying logic of the Sonic Liberation Front relies upon occupying common ground. Listeners who like their music less hard-edged would be advised to look elsewhere. But for the adventurous, Water and Stone can be an amazingly exhilarating experience in sound.

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