Lysne has shown himself to be an impressive orchestral conceptualist with a series of big band recordings for ACT that culminated in the critically acclaimed The Grieg Code (2009). By unplugging himself from the ‘big band tradition’ he found a way of working with large ensembles that is entirely his own, saying, “I don't write ordinary big band music. You won't find any AABA structure in my tunes, no continuous swing rhythms, conventional changes or blues-based themes.” It's a tough manifesto to adhere to, yet he succeeded, working in the kind of left-of-centre musical space that bands like the late-lamented Vienna Art Orchestra used to occupy. He has been described as a part of a melodious avant garde, a nice phrase that suggests musical adventure without the necessity some find to end up ugly. Now, as the album title suggests, he is moving into new territory – a New Circle – by working with a smaller ensemble (with guests) yet maintaining his approach to composition and arranging. This is a well constructed and often aesthetically pleasing electroacoustic set with a nice deep mix that has all sorts of sonic skulduggery at work near or below our conscious perception. Lê – or is it Torget, the liner notes don't say – adds a nice line in medium weight (rather than heavy) metal guitar, while Lysne emerges as a saxophonist par excellence.