Review: We don't need further proof of the vibrancy of London's contemporary jazz scene - it would be fair to say that the press has that covered - but more has arrived courtesy of Cykada, a fluid collective of musicians that includes members of such lauded outfits as Myriad Forest, EZRA Collective and Where Pathways Meet. It's an impressive first missive featuring inventive and suitably mind-altering cuts that variously riff on spiritual jazz, fusion, space-rock, gypsy jazz and jazz-rock. Highlights are plentiful throughout, from the high tempo thrills of dancefloor rocker "Dimension Stepper" and the layered solo-fest that is spiraling workout "Realise", to the fuzzy and forthright epic "Third Eye Thunder", whose dueling saxophone and electric guitar parts whip up a suitably psychedelic frenzy.
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