CHRONOSTHESIA

This 2019 album is the debut release from German outfit Time Shift Accident, comprising David Mola (guitars), Günter W. Schmuck (keyboards), Michael Schetter (bass) and Paul Ettl (drums). I was somewhat surprised to discover it is the rhythm section with Mola only joining in 2017 and Schmuck at the beginning of 2019, whereas the others have been there since 2014. What is interesting is this band are a true fusion outfit, in that while three of them are from a jazz background, Mola is much more of a rocker and can also be found in the prog metal act Effloresce. Consequently, his approach is quite different to the others, but instead of clashing, here the two musical cultures work well together.

A Hammond organ, jazz drums and bass, with a rock guitar over the top, what isn't there to love? But Schmuck has also brought in other elements as he also works in Latin styles, and song such as "Boonar Eclipse" are all over the place with Cuban, metal, progressive and jazz elements somehow all coming together and creating a fine mix. Some of Mola's rock sensibilities have rubbed off on Schmuck, who does provide rock keyboard lead lines at times, while Mola also closely follows jazz and Latin on songs such as "Ignalia Forest". There are times when it sounds almost like Vai, others Holdsworth, others Metheny, but not really. This is a fascinating mix and blend which is enjoyable throughout, and any fan of JRF or crossover styles should check this out.

Time Shift Accident are an instrumental quartet that hail from Nuremberg, Germany, and had their beginnings back in late 2013 as a loose jam band founded by a couple of friends. The rhythm section has been their mainstay since late 2014 and consists of drummer Paul Ettl and bassist Michael Schetter. According to the group's Bandcamp page, Schetter has also been in the groups Relocator and Seven Steps to the Green Door. Dave Mola, of prog metal band Effloresce, joined the band in 2017 and this was followed by jazz keyboardist Gunter W. Schmuck. The band started recording their debut album in June 2019 and it was released in September of that year under the title Chronosthesia. Obviously there must be some connection between the album's title and the band's name as they both relate in some way to time travel, mental or otherwise.

If you enjoy jazz rock/fusion instrumental albums, leaning heavier towards the rock part of the equation with addictive grooves, jazzy keyboards, melodic guitar solos, and skilled drumming, this album might be up your alley. It starts off with lots of energy from the first track and is relentless all the way to the end of the album. At times it gets heavy (Mola was in a prog metal band), occasional Eastern and Latin flavors appear on a couple songs, and some funk here and there. It has a rather diverse palette. The complexity level is about average for this style of album; it's complex when it needs to be, but nothing chaotic or dissonant is present. The production is fantastic and well-balanced; all four members are allotted equal space in the mix and no member overwhelms the others. Overall I can't seem to think of a band to compare them with, but there are occasional hints to the Dixie Dregs, Planet X, and Herbie Hancock.

A great listen. Definitely one to bring on road trips. Highly recommended if you enjoy this style.

9/10 stars: Ignalina Forest; Damascus Dance; The Hand of God --- 8.5 /10 stars: Boonar Eclipse --- 8/10 stars: Pompei; Borsuki --- 7.5/10 stars: Cold Case --- 7/10 stars: Wish

Overall rating: 8.39/10 (4.20 on PA)