Austrian saxophone player Heinrich Von Kalnein compares his musical journey thus far to the two rings formed when the single loop of a Möbius strip is cut. His observation is made manifest in this latest release, one disc being a random series of loosely played improvisations titled ‘Into The Now!’ – while the second is a composition entitled ‘Saxtonics – Music For Saxophone Quartet’, both of which are presumably intended to show how the two sides of his playing interlink with each other.

While the improvisational disc has its moments, there are few surprises laid bare and much of what Kalnein and his group lay down here is rather flat and emotionally empty.

This almost academic attitude unfortunately strays over to the ‘Saxtonics’ piece, where a more melodic approach attempts to take hold. Inspired by the playing of a host of jazz playing greats that he calls his “musical family”, Kalnein's main tributary piece here is his saxophone quartet's polite but coldly performed rendition of John Coltrane's ‘Blue Train’.

More interesting is ‘3-4-5 1st Movement (Meditation – Exercise)’, a more exploratory example of Kalnein's musical process that is enhanced by Uli Rennert's piercing, and welcome synthesiser interruptions.