Karl 2000: Karl 2000

Imagine a melding of saxophonist Albert Ayler's frenetic pacing and saxophonist Peter Brötzmann's raw power and the result would be the thematic nature of Karl 2000's self-titled debut. Though saxophonist Daniel Rovin is billed as this power trio's co-leader, he is clearly the musical force throughout this collection. Along with eight original improvisations, Karl 2000 includes two covers that are unusual in selection and rendition. All of these pieces make for very challenging listening.

Out of the gate, "Meadowlands" sets the stage with a volatile combination of breakneck pacing and pyrotechnic soundscapes. The hot-tempered attitude prevails through the following "(All Of Them)" and on into "A Cliff On The Volga," where things take a decidedly unique turn, closing with the distant reference to a marching band, albeit, one more venturesome than your average college ensemble.

"Pump it Out" is the first of Russian folk music influences appearing in an amalgamation with hard bop. "Blumenlizd" follows in a similar but less structured vein before the cover, "I Think I Love You," offers comparatively ordered minimalism augmented by idiosyncrasies and rich, muscular sound. "Xhocolate Wonderfall" unleashes a torrent of creative energy and astounding communication between the players. The very brief "Message From Karl" begins as a vaudevillian piece before the rhythm section resets to a bluesy tempo.

Karl 2000 saves one of its more complex but melodic compositions for late in the collection. "A Birch Tree In A Field Did Stand" begins with Eastern influences, before drummer Dave Miller incorporates a rock beat with support from bassist Austin White. Ultimately, Rovin furiously recaptures the piece, turning it increasingly visceral. Part of the beauty of Karl 2000 is its ability to create an intense sensation of impending chaos without abandoning either structure or melody. This is a no-holds-barred debut from some very promising musicians.