Sonar with David Torn, Tranceportation (Volume 2)

Still living on today is the open-formed cosmic Psych Riff Rock Funk Jazz that we heard iconically in the late '60s-early '70s Miles Davis, with Terje Rypdal in his classic period and with countless related others. It keeps on today with artists like Nik Bartsch and in the band Sonar, specifically for today's discussion on the latter's album Tranceportation (Volume 2) [RareNoise Records RNR0114(CD) RNR114LP(Vinyl)], a collaboration with the great David Torn.

There are layerings of bass and guitar parts in a mesmeric counterpoint that the drums lock into and push forward. And then there is floating atop guitar solos of a Psych-Fuse-Jazz-Electricity sort, well crafted, exciting and no doubt much of it by David Torn. Sonar otherwise consists of Stephan Thelen and Bernhard Wagner on "tritone" guitars, Christian Kuntner on "tritone" bass and Manuel Pasquinelli on drums. Each member is part of an indispensable whole that works together very well.

After listening to this album quite a few times I must say that the content hangs together beautifully, the more so the more I hear it. The complexity of the riffing counterpoint and the immediacy of the solo guitar work join together for very first-rate and original presence and a floating yet very centered weight.

This is music any lover of advanced Fuse-Rock electric guitar and bass should welcome. It is not out to wow you with chops but instead singularly comes through with imaginative and lively interplay. Very recommended.