301

"Eighteen months before pianist and leader of the trio EST, Esbjorn Svensson died in a diving accident in 2008, the group recorded some nine hours of material in Sydney's 301 studios. The result of that session was released as Leucocyte, and the best remaining tracks now make up 301. At first glance it might seem merely a cash-in project, but the result is an almost flawless exercise in improvised inventiveness. I say almost flawless, because one track leaves me baffled. Houston, the Fifth at almost four minutes long features nothing but electronics - no bass, no drums and certainly no piano. While it might suit fans of the ''concrete'' music scene, it is out of place. It's a shame. When they choose to use electronics - Inner City, City Lights, a gorgeous 11-minute piece with a drone as the bed and Svensson's piano as the feather-light sheets, it's an absolute delight. Three Falling Free Part 1 rambles a bit, but then is saved by the stunning Part 2 with its rock element."
- Colin Morris