Draksler - Eldh - Lillinger: Punkt.Vrt.Plastic

Nascent drumming superhero Christian Lillinger and bassist Petter Eldh handle the rhythms in the riotously exciting, balls to the walls quartet Amok Amor, as the fun-factor and thrills a minute impetus morphs into this rapidly-moving trio featuring mega-talented Slovenian pianist, Kaja Draksler.

At times the musicians run their course via ample doses of counterpoint and opposing forces that maintain the same tempo amid frolicsome skirmishes, scrappy detours and frenzied outbursts. Moreover, Draksler shows hints of becoming a stylist due to her unorthodox phrasings, unique sense of rhythm and numerous reengineering processes. Here, the trio delves into experimental, but largely structured vistas, transformed into powerful choruses and hammering cadences.

Even when they skirt avant-garde frameworks it all seems to make uncanny sense. The pianist's whirlwind voicings and exquisite melody-making take the edge off. But the rhythm section keeps pace and raises the bar with a dynamic gait. Whereas, certain movements contain clustering voicings along with tension and release patterns and odd-metered discourses.

"Momentarily" is a composite that typifies the musicians' chemistry and tactical persuasions, launched by Draksler's blossoming chords and Lillinger's swift pulses, featuring slapping hits, whizzing accents and zesty rolls. It's a firmly grounded, yet fluent piece, offset by contrapuntal maneuvers and the pianist's regal mini-motifs. She also reimagines the theme in reverse mode and with linear runs, all supported by the rhythm section's seething undercurrents. Draksler possesses the flair and regimentation of a concert classical pianist, and is a cunning improviser. On this piece and others, storylines emerge, disappear and morph into various configurations and contours. Indeed, the trio's spectacular journey imparts a long-lasting impression.