Scorch Trio: Luggumt

As you would expect from the name, Scorch Trio is on fire for much of the six-song Luggumt (Rune Grammofon). Featuring Finnish guitarist Raoul Bjorken-heim and the Norwegian rhythm section of bassist Ingebrigt Haker Flaten and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, the trio is all about energy and freedom.

“Kjole Hole” and “Furskunjt” splatter at 100 miles per hour, with Bjorkenheim playing like a combo of Jimi Hendrix at his most psychedelic and John McLaughlin on Love Devotion Surrender. But the group slows down on “Synnja Vegga,” which is ambient sound-sculpting, and on “Brennj Fynnj” and “Snakje Rojnd Navinj,” which are meandering, mostly quiet free pieces, with the guys playing little phrases and answering, echoing or complementing each other.

Luggumt is often excellent-especially Nilssen-Love’s stunning drumming and Bjorkenheim’s gorgeously ugly guitar tones-but the album can be overwhelming in its intensity and abstraction. Small doses are recommended for a maximum buzz without the hangover.

Originally Published May 1, 2005