Snaky melodies on alto sax; a walking bassline with swing and swagger; crashing drums, quirky effects and horns, horns, horns… Belgian outfit Black Flower gives us Ethio vibes and spiritual musings in what might be considered a concept album – a ye olde gatefold sleeve tells of stolen saxophones, secret realms and a meeting with the long past legendary ruler of Ethiopia, Sir Prester John – but is basically a polished set of instrumentals by a talented quartet (and guests) bent on enjoying themselves. The track ‘I Threw A Lemon at That Girl’ is proof positive that Afrobeat and Ethio-jazz make great bedfellows. Other standouts include the Mulatu Atsatke-like ‘Winter’, with its riffing flute and shuddering backline, and ‘Again I Lost It’, a good natured electro-wig out and sure-fire crowd pleaser. Black Flower are making a name for themselves on the European live circuit – this album should open doors for them everywhere.