The Remarkable Return of Old Man Basco

Originally, Basco were formed as a vehicle for Hal Parfitt-Murray's music after he met members Anders Tophøj and Anders Ringgaard Andersen at the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music in Odense, Denmark in 2004. But Basco have now stopped-and-started their way into a madcap, amorphous ensemble: they are more than happy to mix jazz, folk and classical music. These days cittern player Ale Carr is a full-time addition to their violin, viola, trombone and accordion line-up.

This album was shortlisted for the prestigious Nordic Music Prize, even though it's the very antithesis of polite, prize-winning fare. What they delight in creating can be as much hellraising noise as it is delicate and detailed, and as playful as it is powerful. You may well be reminded of the blessed Bellowhead on their version of ‘Two Sisters’. Elsewhere, however, all the tomfoolery can get just a bit wearing, despite their obvious musical talent.