Food, Molecular Gastronomy

Much though I admire the uncompromising attitude of the Norwegian Rune Grammofon label, its output can seem a little ... unfinished. It's as if label boss Rune Kristoffersen were relying upon designer Kim Hiorthoy's compelling cover art to colour in each soundscape. However, Molecular Gastronomy, by Food - the duo of drummer Thomas Stronen and saxophonist Iain Ballamy - sounds more like an album to keep and revisit. Stronen's electronics and beats provide a dense jungle of sound for Ballamy to explore with elegantly spare melodies and improvisations. A couple of solo alto flute pieces add a welcome change of timbre to this contemporary soundscape. The pair are joined by Maria Kannegaard (Rhodes piano) on half the tracks, and Ashley Slater (who also mixes the album) gives a funky kick up the backside to pieces such as Red Algae.