Weasel Walter, Mary Halvorson, Peter Evans

This trio barely need an introduction, as all three players have either lengthy, diffuse (Walter) or burgeoning (Halvorson and Evans) careers in the American improv scene. Mechanical Malfunction is the second outing for the group, tailgating their 2011 debut, Electric Fruit. When they initially came together to play, the trio focused mainly on purely improvised music, as demonstrated on their shape-shifting debut. As they prepared for this record, they decided to allow for structures and themes to guide their improvisations, creating surprisingly fresh sonic spaces in which to explore. As on Electric Fruit, Walter's frenetic drumming takes centre stage without stealing the show. Halvorson and Evans, who are both highly skilled players, don't hesitate to show off their instrumental mastery; they mistreat their guitar and trumpet via extended techniques, squeezing unique sonorities from their instruments. Together, the players twist amongst themselves, crafting a sinuous brew of excitement-laden free jazz.