THE REFERENCE GROUP – FILE UNDER UNPOPULAR (Cuneiform Records) (2008/ 2025)

Titles like ‘It Will Resolve Itself Mathematically’ give an idea of what The Reference Group are all about: challenging time signatures, complex virtuosic extrapolations, but spellbinding rather than unapproachable. On ‘Leatherreport’ I was reminded of the first time I heard High Tide as an absorbing and quixotic wealth of creative twists and turns are revealed, a modal guitar from the right speaker, a spectacular wah-wah from the left. Ralf Nygard’s digital bass begins a couple of numbers and changes the direction of others, sounds ranging from fuzz to double bass. Slide guitar is used extensively, its architect being Jimmy Ågren, familiar from his work with Mats-Morgan. Michael Maksymenko not only writes but also has the difficult task of drumming (mission accomplished) while electric guitarist Matthias Danielsson completes the quartet. Nygård’s ‘Organazation Strikes Again’ is more of a heavy riff rocker. Mostly we are reminded of a supercharged Magic Band. Chris Cutler and Henry Kaiser both approve.