Nils Petter Molvaer - Switch - Blu-spec CD2

2014 release

Ambient/fusion trumpet star Molvaer has jettisoned the prog-rock sound of his 2012 album Baboon Moon, and switched to softer settings for his American-label debut, in a band including pedal steel guitarist Geir Sundstøl, and electronicist Morten Qvenild (of Susanna & the Magical Orchestra). He has certainly lost none of his signature credentials en route – such as his affectingly fragile trumpet tone, and subtle textural and dynamic sense. Molvaer and Sundstøl often ruminate in tandem here (notably on the four trance-like Intrusion tracks), or are unobtrusively tailed by woody percussion and tabla-like sounds, but the moods aren't all tranquil – Erland Dahlen's elemental drumming pounds under the shimmering harmonies and Molvaer's ballad-Miles whispers on The Kit, while edgy, rattling percussion rocks beneath Strange Pillows, and Bathroom stomps along with huge drum hits and bugged-trumpet chords. It's a fine band, a strong repertoire, and a striking new Molvaer statement.

John Fordham - Guardian UK