Readymade: Triple Point

The Swedish, Malmö-based Readymade experimental trio focuses on free improvised music with references to jazz, noise and ambient. The trio is comprised of modern jazz drummer Peter Nilsson and electro-acoustic explorers Marcus Lundgren, originally a guitarist but playing synthesizers and electronics here, and Robert Fuchs, who collaborates with Lundgren in another alternative band, Purge. Originally a double bassist in jazz and metal bands, Fuch also plays synthesizers and electronics in this trio, as well as the acoustic cello and trumpet.

The five improvised pieces, each titled as a cell, play on the tension between free-form, noisy soundscapes and pulse. All are colored with inventive electric and acoustic sounds, with tonal and abstract harmonies. The nature of the trio's instrumentation and patient interplay enable them to sculpt each piece with a distinct sonic identity and temperament that allows the pieces to evolve organically.

The first and longest cut, the 18-minute "Cell #15" is defined with a clear progression accentuated by Nilsson's steady drum work and a slow accumulation of electro- acoustic articulations until the song suddenly changes course to a spare, minimalist, otherworldly texture. The short "Cell #12" offers a rhythmic concept structured by a series of collisions between acoustic drum sounds and electronic, concrete sounds, clouded gently with atmospheric synthesizer washes.

"Cell #14" is one of the best realized pieces. Its cinematic ambiance, carefully built tension and the patient, courting interplay between the distinct musicians—relaxed drum pulse, breathy trumpet blows that sound as if referencing the schools of John Hassell or Arve Henriksen and an inventive palette of electronic signals and abrupt radio voices—make this piece a highly suggestive piece, perfect for a modern dance. After the lyrical cello playing by Fuchs that defines "Cell #16" as a surprising, chamber piece, Readymade conclude with "Cell #13." It begins as a gentle, meditative soundscape but suddenly explodes with a powerful eruption of muscular drumming and mix of noises and analog synthesizer sounds. The extreme intensity brings to mind the live collaboration between electronics- wizard Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet), drummer Steve Reid and Swedish sax-titan Mats Gustafsson (captured on Live at the south Bank, Smalltown Supersound, 2011).

Readymade succeeds in forming an original, inventive and versatile aesthetic of its own that calls for further experiences.