Kvintetten Som Sprängdes: Järnet!

Järnet!—the limited edition (300), vinyl-only debut of Gothenburg, Sweden-based Kvintetten Som Sprängdes (The Quintet That Blew Up)—features a unique musical language. Led by Niklas Persson, the saxophonist's compositions reference modern and free jazz heroes from both sides of the Atlantic—including saxophonist Ornette Coleman, reed multi-instrumentalists Eric Dolphy, Anthony Braxton and Evan Parker, and Swedish hero, saxophonist Lars Gullin—intertwined with a clear affinity for lyrical folk melodies and the strong individual voices of every member of this quintet.

The breadth of its musical range enables the quintet to create a distinct identity. The playing is masculine and passionate, yet inventive and cerebral. The compositions' structures are never obvious, but are, instead, full of surprising sound researches and playful sonic detours, as on the Braxtonian "Ofog I Stadskärna," where Persson takes a long alto solo, exploring the instrument's hidden characteristics. "Hagaindianerna" and "Kollaps I Tid Och Rum" move through elliptical lines mirrored and contrasted by each other. The longest composition, "Havregryn On The Rocks," begins with a long double bass solo by Patric Thorman, using impressive extended techniques that are later assimilated in a spare rhythmic pattern led by Persson and drummer Martin Öhman until everyone joins forces for some concluding, uncompromising interplay. The lyrical "Nässlorna Blommar" and "Rutlukbus" are touching in their explicit genteelness, but still possess a light experimental component, stressed by Öhman's sonic explorations.

Innovative and highly original.