The roots of the compositions presented on Vicéns' third release lie in the rhythms of Puerto Rican folklore. But the vibe is contemporary New York and the obvious influences are two alto saxophonists: Greg Osby, who launched Inner Circle records as a vehicle for upcoming composers; and co-producer Miguel Zenón. Zenón, like guitarist Vicéns, was born in Puerto Rico, and it his schooled approach that infuses the clean lines of the rhythm section. Drummer Strickland's hi-hat driven groove and zipped press-rolls knit seamlessly with Pablo's web of percussion; and pianist Zaleski's vamps, voicings and lines reference Herbie Hancock. The Osby effect surfaces in the frontline's bleak harmonic palette and melodies stretching over the beat. That said, Vicéns' measured phrasing and painterly compositional approach are entirely his own, and with saxist Roman Filiú's focussed tone dovetailing with the guitarist's distinctive dry warmth, each line is brought vibrantly to life.

The album opens with the cool lines and austere colours of the title track and continues with the urgent modal energy of ‘It Doesn't Matter’, a core component of the album's overall aesthetic. Elsewhere ‘Caribeño Pensador' is a thoughtful duet for percussion and guitar, ‘Fuera de Mi Cuerpo’ a well-conceived exercise in abstract resonance and ‘To the Unknown’ journeys from the pensive to the upbeat. Themes are tight, solos grip throughout and the album ends with a crisp up-tempo blast and Strickland at full stretch.