Based around the Bould/Firth rhythm axis, Usonic are unabashed about describing themselves as a full on fusion band, drawing deep on the likes of Joe Zawinul. They've also picked up on Tribal Tech's creative process by pre-recording various parts then sending them round to each other in digital form to edit and layer. The heart of Diversion is a set of drum patterns laid down by Bould which the rest of the team built upon. Hitchcock, the consummate session man (and all too rarely recorded in his own right) fits this process like a glove, wild and free on ‘The Hedgehog’, inevitably resonant of Shorter on ‘Don't It’. Mitchell likewise lays some cool keys on ‘Street Sleeper,’ while Guillermont has a tang of that Scott Henderson edge and bite. That said, most of the cuts are elongated grooves which may test the patience of those who prefer a little more structure to their CDs, while even Tribal Tech and especially Weather Report knew the value of a unifying hook. But there's plenty here (notably Hitchcock) to warm the heart of any fusioneer, not the least the splendidly monickered ‘Where's My Jazz Pipe’, which moves from Zawinul-like moodiness to a guitar ‘n’ keys quiet riot.