Newcastle-native double bassist John Pope here leads his quintet through seven new originals on the follow up to the group’s well-received 2021 debut, Mixed With Glass. And a very arresting set it is, too. Pope has a knack for crafting memorable tunes that assiduously avoid jazz cliché. 'A Procession Of Heads', for instance, is a slow-burning grind – neither blues nor funk – that rolls on implacably. Yet, he’s also grounded enough in the essential language of jazz to borrow and allude creatively. 'Quantum Stepper' adds handclaps that suggest Mingus’ sanctified church service; 'World Dancer’ begins with a boppish head before relaxing into a horn-heavy free-bop blow-out; and 'Free Spin' mixes a slow groove with tough horn charts, a breezily walking hook, loose churn and bullish power swing – all mixed up together with a touch of the Art Ensemble of Chicago’s omnivorous, vibe-hopping authority.

There’s some first class playing throughout, with all three horns digging in convincingly and drummer Johnny Hunter sliding from robust time to slippery fizz with alacrity. Pope is a guiding presence: on 'Through The Earth', his low throbs suggest tidal surges providing a loose organic structure. It’s an impressive and absorbing date from UK players on the up.