ProStudioMasters.com

Moskus could be the perfect 21st century piano, bass and drums trio. Rather than fetishising about the acoustic purity of their sound, the virtuosity of their instrumental technique, or the integrity of their compositional structures, Anja Lauvdal (keys), Fredrik Luhr Deitrichson (double bass) and Hans Hulbækmo (drums/percussion) seem to improvise on ideas more than themes or tunes, and to change direction quickly and effectively as they go, abandoning one thought for another with a refreshing lack of fuss. Mirakler presents the sound of a group in absolute command of itself, with a wonderfully clear and concise vision of what it intends to do and how it wants to do it. There is also the addition of an important new dimension to the Moskus world-view through the inclusion of a number of pieces which, as well as restating the group’s credentials as the most quick-thinking of improvisers, able to turn on a sixpence and change tack from one style or mode to another as easily as blinking, suggests the development of a more meditative or lyrical side, as in the beautiful opener, ‘Anslag’, and the closing ‘En Natt’, whose fragile beauty is able to co-exist quite happily alongside the witty, worldly-wise, affectionate parodies of various genre styles evident elsewhere. In short, with Mirakler Moskus have ascended to a whole new level.