Although Lien's trio was formed in 2001, it took until 2008's Hello Troll to make an international breakthrough which was followed by 2011's Natsukashi which served to confirm Dagbladet's claim that this was indeed “the best Norwegian piano trio in a long time.” Although the experimental Kattenslager (2012) was partly successful, Badgers and Other Beings represents a return to the trio format, albeit with Per Oddvar Johansen replacing founding member Knut Aalefjaer on drums. It therefore follows that there is a corresponding shift in rhythmic emphasis, Johanson more inclined to interaction and a more implicit expression of time. Lien has also subtly calibrated his approach too, left and right hands often interlocking in counterpoint (‘MOR’, ‘Joe’) that can be traced back to Bachian chorals. Album highlights include his subtle exploration of ‘Calypso’ and the strong melodic variations that give shape to ‘Folkmost’.