Back catalogue: Post Rock/Experimental

Review: Jim Black's Houseplant sees the progressive-jazz drummer continue to refine his signature style, a fusion of jazz and rock that's as quirky as it is inventive. While not a radical shift from his previous works, this 2009 release showcases Black's distinctive approach to drumming, blending complex rhythms with sly, punchy backbeats that keep the session lively. Backed by his longtime band Alas No Axis, Black delivers a sprightly set with guitarist Hilmar Jensson, whose polytonal riffs add texture, and saxophonist Chris Speed, who brings a smoother edge to the more intense moments. Tracks like 'Malomice' highlight the band's ability to shift seamlessly between acid-rock and jazz, with Speed's saxophone weaving off-kilter melodies over Black's precise, crashing grooves. The mood softens on introspective cuts like 'Elight,' where the musicians ease into more delicate, atmospheric territory. Bassist Skuli Sverrisson provides the glue, his limber playing driving the energy throughout. Houseplant is a masterclass in balancing catchy riffs with jazz improvisation, offering an intense but melodic exploration of jazz-rock fusion.

Review: Mercy is a collaborative work between the late great Lee "Scratch" Perry (during his post-Black Ark Studios era), Peter Harris and Fritz Catlin, the drummer from the industrial funk dub act 23 Skidoo. What they cook up is unashamedly experimental outsider works that collide mad mixing desk trickery, Perry's trademark vocal mutterings and plenty of occult sound designs. Melodies are smeared and smudged, rhythms are drunk and off balance and moods range from balmy to bonkers, often within the same damn track. A maverick collage, for sure.

Review: The difficult second. Apparently not for composer and producer David Jospeh. Once again delving into the latter work of Mark Hollis with and without Talk Talk for jumping off points and inspiration, this time the lead artist drafts the muse's son, Charlie Hollis, to play piano on no less than four tracks, alongside band veterans Robbie Macintosh, Laurence Pendrous, Andy Panayi, Martin Ditcham and Simon Edwards. Listing all the other musicians who have contributed here would be a long task, so let's cut to the chase. This is lush stuff, which incorporates but never obsesses over elements of jazz, post rock, ambient and soundscape. It's vast and also notably intimate, like finding the perfect spot of seclusion and shade under a beautiful tree while gazing out over endless horizons.