Standard Time is coded language. The sources for five of the eight pieces on the British ensemble's Ubuntu records debut are well known standards, but they are comprehensively dissected and extrapolated in order to lead the listener into “distant territory by a familiar thread”. While it can be rewarding to play spot the ball mid-game, the material stands up on its own merit, primarily because the band largely retains a sense of proportion in the midst of a lot of advanced metric ingenuity which occasionally has the dizzying whirl of Carnatic music from India. Ant Law's eight-string guitar provides dense, often dub-wise basslines that lend a primal quality in contrast to the finesse of his own soloing as well as that of pianist Harrold and drummer Kass whose dot-dash patterns elide effectively with Evelyn Glennie's vibes and marimba. The presence of American alto saxophonist Steve Lehman, who is not known for his guest appearances, is also something of a coup, and his work on ‘Pains’ is a brilliantly calibrated blend of volatility and restraint. A highpoint of the set for its sardonic humour, as well as musical skill, the piece is derived from Chick Corea's ‘Spain’, whereby a few steps of the unforgettable spiral staircase melody are hardened into a kind of brash syncope-rock rather than swish flamenco. That kind of lateral thinking also underpins twisted latin grooves, ethereal soul and a hearty jig based on a gigue from one of Bach's cello suites, making the point that Trio HLK, for all of the high standards of musicianship of the players, mostly avoid the trap of interesting parts in search of a palatable arrangement or narrative. There is a playfulness and occasional jauntiness of mood as well as studious application in these intriguing ‘re-imaginings’.