01	Burning Arrows						08:50
	02	Three Figures						05:28
	03	Empty Chairs						02:40
	04	Algebra Of Needs						03:45
	05	Useless Passion						03:43
	06	Offering						07:12
	07	The Cross Of Infamy						02:01
	08	Trial By Error						04:39
	09	Middle Of The Moment						01:57
	10	Wooden Tuxedo						05:26
	11	Epigram						03:26

Year: 1999 Label:Tap/ Record Heaven (Sweden) Catalog: TAP-RHCD-12 Note: www.recordheaven.net


Ensemble Nimbus [Sweden]
Updated 5/5/02
Discography
Key Figures (94)
Garmonbozia (00)

Reviews
Ensemble Nimbus, yet another Swedish band, is described as the "second generation of European ... RIO." The first generation is, of course, defined by Henry Cow, Univers Zero (and offshoots Daniel Denis and Present), Art Zoyd and Samla Mammas Manna. Ensemble Nimbus has one member with a connection to the preceding generation, that of former Samla Mammas Manna drummer Hasse Bruniusson. Anyone into Samla, as well as Present or Daniel Denis should certainly get into Key Figures. The other members of the band are Hakan AlmKvist: guitar and bass; Lars Erik Bjork: clarinet, bass clarinet; Stefan Carlsson: keyboards; and Kirk Chilton: violin. AlmKvist is the leader of the band and he is responsible for most of the compositions. Though his guitar is frequently heard, he has provided good balance for all members to "strut their stuff." "Bo i Bingen" (lazy bones) has a bouncing bass clarinet rhythm over which lyrically light keyboard (bell-like tones) and lazy (of course) violin melodies are heard. AlmKvist provides nice bass support for it all but leaves the guitar at home. But, like Roger Trigaux of Present, when AlmKvist slings the axe, he's a force to reckon with. On "Anglamakerskan" (the baby farmer), the violin and electric guitar duel with angular slashes of controlled fury amidst the rhythmic clarinet ostinati and shifting drum meters. "Formaningen" (the exhortation) is a good showcase for Bruniusson's drumming talents. He uses his electronic drums to pound out a wide variety of percussive offbeats and measured trap work. There is also a bit of a Crimsonish feel (mostly in the guitar work throughout) and a zeuhlish feel, such as in the bass of "Skrapan" (the schramscraper). The album is mostly instrumental but there are two (Swedish) vocal works. Ten of the eleven songs are in the three to nearly six minute range. The eleventh song,"Ekivoka Vanningar" (indecent turnings) weighs in at 8.5 minutes. This was, for me, the best song on the album. The length allows the band to slowly develop their musical thought. Very sparse instrumentation and good use of silence at the beginning created a taut atmosphere that Ensemble Nimbus then sustained and exploited to full ability for the duration. Great tune! I found that I enjoyed Key Figures a great deal, moreso than Daniel Denis's Sirius and the Ghosts and as much as Present's two albums. Strongly recommended to any RIO fan or any Prog fan who enjoys a good musical challenge. -- Mike Taylor

Very good Rock In Opposition or "Tivoli Fusion" near to Von Zamla in style. The music is composed by Hakan AlmKvist, the guitar and bass player. Featuring Hans Bruniusson from Samla Mammas Manna on drums. -- Gunnar Creutz

This Swedish band has a peculiar sound. Key Figures features guitar/bass, clarinet, drums, keyboards,violin and occasional vocals (in Swedish). Their eclectic style involves, amongst others,elements of rock, jazz, chamber music and traditional music. The guitarist writes all the material which makes sustained use of the electric guitar, but doesn't reduce the rest of the band to a support role. Quite the opposite, the tracks involve original arrangements of melodies and rhythms where all members make an important contribution. An excellent production that primarily appeals to those who like to experiment. -- Paul Charbonneau