For their third ECM effort, alto saxophonist Tim Berne and his Snakeoil outfit welcome guitarist Ryan Ferreira into the fold of clarinetist Oscar Noriega, pianist Matt Mitchell (also on electronics), and drummer-percussionist extraordinaire Ches Smith. Berne’s compositions are phenomenally tactile constructions, each a study in quantum geometry. Of special note are “Small World In A Small Town” and “Semi-Self Detached,” the latter an astute description of his playing. The implosive feel of it all never relents, but neither does it hold us captive. Rather, it advances jazz in shining directions for listeners who crave adventure without artifice.

– Tyran Grillo