BF - Klob

Estonian fusion band BF has taken an ambitious approach on their new album Klob: to combine studio and live recordings as well as composed and improvised materials into a complex avant-rock work. The results are mixed. Weakest spots come across as random noodling, confirming the notion that free-improv is difficult to do well. Another matter is composed material. Particularly successful are the two compositions with brass section: "Jaanalind Diana" bears affinity to Phlox' "Rebimine+Voltimine" album thanks to that band's reedman Kalle Klein's soprano saxophone lines (intertwined with trombone). The horn theme of "Vapper Tinasõdur" is simply gorgeous.

While the improvised material is anything but easy listening, there are moments. For example, the intensity during the beginning of "Korrektor" that resembles Fred Frith's avant-rock power trio Massacre. Or the chaotic trombone and backward sounds during "Kadunud Päev". Klob may not be a masterpiece, but it's often an intriguing record. And its cover artwork is superb.