Matinale

The Finnish fusion project known as Krakatau made two albums for ECM, this being the second. Guitarist Raoul Björkenheim leads a quartet of hip multi-instrumentalists in reedman Jone Takamäki, bassist Uffe Krokfors, and drummer Ippe Kätkä. Although Björkenheim serves as the primary composer, he and his compatriots are fearless improvisers. The centerpiece is “Sarajevo,” a politically charged meta-statement clearing the 12-minute mark. Admirable is this group’s ability to avoid hyperbole even at the most intense moments. There is always purpose to be found in their freedom.