Very welcome reissue of something of a hidden gem in 1970s jazz. The energy of the Pullen-Rivers quartet positively combusts in places, with the appropriately titled opener ‘Break Out’ setting the agenda in no uncertain terms. The two leaders treat the material very much like modelling clay, pulling harmony and rhythm all around a loose rubato groove while massaging quicksilver melodies into life. Battle and Blake are fine contributors, especially the former, whose ability to galvanise the low end with lengthy, vaulting kick-drum phrases is superb. While the onus is on extended pieces in which a theme can undergo a forensic deconstruction-reconstruction process there is an absolutely gorgeous mid-tempo ballad in ‘Joycie Girl’. Vaguely reminiscent of some of Pharoah Sanders' classic Impulse! work it is a sauntering Afro-samba enhanced by piping soprano from Rivers and keys work from Pullen that moves from gentle stream to raging torrent in an instant.