This is the second album from the Norwegian quartet, dominated by the compositions of drummer Hans Hulbækmo. Flukten’s other well-known member is saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg, with much of this band’s character stemming from her intimate entwining with Marius Klovning’s guitar. Bassist Bárður R Poulson arrives from the Faroe Islands. His bowed bass leads a tender opening, tenor lines enquiring, but soon awakening into a firmly circulating theme. Paulsberg has a real bite to her sound, almost rigidly pushy, getting into a wandering solo, with overblowing edges. Hulbækmo urges her on, maintaining a rolling and complex splash-pattern. Freedom jostles with returning motifs.

The first five tracks are studio-recorded, but harness a strong collective energy. Catchy themes abound here, restless and intricate, but without losing a spontaneous feel. ‘Abundans’ is gentle and luminous, so enter some quivering reed-vibrato. Klovning is versatile, going from almost-heavy to a lighter, dappled touch. Paulson plumbs for a deeper grain when bowing, while tenor and guitar prick around the edges, as Hulbækmo solos loose-limbed, skins and small objects vibrating. Paulsberg works on an angular progression, with halting notes, building intensity while Hulbækmo beavers around. Judging by the album’s last three live tracks it would be great to catch this combo onstage.