Two sessions from Butcher that could not be more contrasting. The duo with Solberg takes an approach to the horn-drums format that is a courageous example of the art of bold changes of direction, sly shifts in volume and attack, microtonal dissections and wily explorations of silence. While the exchanges have moments of real imagination, above all when Butcher takes his overtones towards a beautiful wood flute muffle against the sharp crackle of Solberg's snare, the overall performance lacks a sustained narrative arc, and runs into too many dead ends. On the other hand, the trio set is the polychrome extraversion to the monochrome introversion of the duo, and the combination of personalities is winningly combustible. The rhythmic push and pull between Butcher, Shipp and Lehn is a delight, with all three conjuring up graciously dissonant figures whose frequent crisscrossing gives the music a kaleidoscopic character. All of the players are drumming with razor sharp focus, but they also have more serene impulses and create glistening soundscapes in which the analogue keyboard is well complemented by the two acoustic instruments that are inspired to match the strange and beautiful noise that fills the air. Music with an on-the-edge intensity that is nonetheless handled with considerable rigour and attention to detail.