The opener is called 'Trust' with Nanar on top form. Vulnerable lyrics, luscious vocals with beats, keys, strings and tweaks from Simon and JJ.

'Neptune', 'Waiting' and 'And I' are as sharp as the forks on Lucifer's trident. 'Neptune' is more of a jazzer and under the 12" review I bemoaned that it's far too short. In the album contextm it fits in with the lapping-waves sample start of the much slower, exquisite, 'Waiting'. Quite simply, it touches your soul. As does 'And I'. I've heard Simon play 'And I' on what I thought was a good system and it's astounding. Luckily, it sounds just as good to me on my home set up. At the risk of repetition, Nanar is superb on this.

However, this is no preparation for 'Nevermore'. Unaccredited vibes that smack of Mr. Beaujolais with added twinkerly things, flute and strings take this to another level and will be heard all over this summer. It didn't take friend of Fly, Zeljko Kerleta long to spread the word on his radio show live on 1st May (archived for a month, see links below).

'Abstract Blue II' is a beats and piano exploration which has a hypnotic element and is followed by the short 'Cascade'. This is one of two tracks co-written with Further Out Recordings boss Richard E.

'Cut A Map In The Soles Of My Feet' sees Nanar in more of a beat poet mode with nice backing that takes over towards the end. A similar idea for the next one but far more upbeat. 'The Gift' is up there with 'Nevermore' as a jazzy dancer but this time the flute takes the lead soloing with some busy bongoing going on.

The album finishes with three brilliant, atmospheric slower numbers. Richard E co-wrote 'They Are His' which has a Latin beach vibe; 'It's Love' is soulful beyond reason (think Patrice Rushen) and finally 'Lament Of An Unborn Child' where Nanar is simply backed by piano, jazz-drum and string quartet sound. I'm prepared to go totally overboard on this album on the basis of these three tracks alone. Three real growers for home listening.

And talking of home listening, if you've just missed Break Reform live on Nick Luscombe's Flo Motion (XFM) there's live session already recorded for Gilles Peterson's Worldwide show which is to be broadcast later this month.

Nanar's reputation as a lyricist and vocalist is on the exponential upward curve with this release whilst Simon S and JJ's production skills have moved on since the debut album of 2003. As a trio, they seem to have the right compliment of attributes to produce the best of the downtempo, sultry beat stuff on the soul-jazz vibe. Break Reform are unique. Remember, there's some great CDs out at the moment but this is THE choice.

Reviewed: CD (Catalog#: ABRCD04). Release Date: 23rd May 2005

Links:
Break Reform Live: Mon 30th May (Bank Holiday) Best Kept Secret 3rd Birthday Party @ Cargo, London (With Baker Brothers, Madrid de Los Austrias, TM Juke and lots more)
Abstract Blue Recordings
TROG Radio Show with Zeljko Kerleta: First Hour [also featured is CHRIS THOMAS KING - Revelations In Afrolatinblues rmx by Paul Murphy, BOSSA FUTURA - Sol y Luna (Furtherout Recordings) and the monstrous SUN RA - Sleeping Beauty (Art Yard). Much to enjoy]
The first track Dom Servini plays on Nippon & Speedy Express RADIO SHOW 18 is 'And I' by Break Reform remix by Yam Who?
Further Out Recordings
Nick Luscombe XFM Sundays 22.00-24.00
Compost license Break Reform's 'Neptune' for a new compilation compiled by Michael Rutten called Soul Searching