Land Space: Suenos

The members of Land Space know how to create memorable riffs and compelling solo statements, as demonstrated throughout this all-original program, but that isn't what makes this Barceona-based foursome's music unique. Land Space's ability to create dynamic arcs, with varying degrees of intensity within its well-paced pieces, is what makes this band stand out from the rest.

Suenos is a Spanish word for "dreams" and, while this music never gets sleepy, overly ethereal or completely surreal, it does possesses certain dream-like qualities. Nico Sanchez's warm guitar sound and a judicious use of space prove to be the two defining characteristics that tie these tunes to the title of the record.

Land Space is capable of creating music that sticks to a fairly straight pathway ("Pop Song"), but its most intriguing compositions are those that have some bends in the road. "1982" never runs short on ideas, as Paco Weht's bass work leads to grounding single note lines from Sanchez, and saxophonist Albert Cirera and drummer Dani Dominguez have their say while Weht holds down the fort. "Com Vulguis" ends with a curveball, in the form a of a vamp that isn't in line with the mood of the piece, but that proves to be one of the wonders, along with some compelling saxophone soloing, of that particular song.

While this is a four-man show from start to finish, many special moments take place when two-way connections are established. Weht supports Sanchez, while also speaking his own mind a bit on "Miles Apart," and Sanchez blends well with Dominguez, as they shape melodic lines together throughout the program. Even something as seemingly small as Dominguez's ability to crank up the heat behind some stellar guitar soloing ("Honning") speaks to the strong musical kinship at play in this group.

Dreams are, ultimately, for those that are sleeping, but the sonic splendor of Suenos is only to be enjoyed by those that are awake.

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