Krokofant, Ståle Storløkken, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten - Q (2019) [Hi-Res]

As David Fricke points out in his liner notes, this is not just another novelty guest-project, the Krokofant on "Q" is like a brand new band. In fact, all the involved are so happy with this album that there´s bound to come more, with a bunch of new material already written. After three albums in a little over three years they felt a need to try something new, taking the band one step further. Especially Tom Hasslan, guitarist and main composer, felt an urge to expand the canvas and sonic possibilities of his writing and playing. Hasslan´s tunes are perfect vehicles for keyboard player Ståle Storløkken (Elephant9, Supersilent, Terje Rypdal) to present the full scope of his playing; from sheer pastoral beauty to full on jazz skronk. The same can be said about Mathisen, who is given ample room for soloing. The tunes are rich in harmonic structures and melodic hooks, and with the distinctive sax/organ combination it´s difficult not to occasionally think of Van der Graaf Generator in their prime. By introducing Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (The Thing, Scorch Trio, Atomic) on electric bass, work was lifted from Hasslan´s shoulders and a "proper" rhythm section was born, Skalstad and Flaten instantly bonding. As Fricke also notes, ""Q" is their best album, the fullest expression to date of their original design - a drawing of the past forward - with a new strength in numbers".