Markus Reuter - Truce (2020)

MoonJune Records’ historic 100th release features a full frontal aural assault: witnessing the über-innovative guitar maestro Markus Reuter, seizing the reigns on the groundbreaking trio effort – Truce. It is only fitting that the label which has produced more than its fair share of revisionist power trio-format albums would celebrate a landmark event of this magnitude in such freewheeling, grandiose fashion. Prominently displaying textural wizardry, melodic flair, but most strikingly, bone-crushing (touch) guitar playing, Markus Reuter unleashes a musical maelstrom which — like the label producing it — thumbs its nose at both convention and pretense.

Ably supported by the fiery, inspired rhythms of ace veteran timekeeper Asaf Sirkis, and renowned Italian bass phenomenon and producer Fabio Trentini, the trio ventures through a melange of exotic sonic fare which pushes the boundaries of the traditional power trio well beyond established norms. Transcending his ‘Fripp disciple’ credentials, Reuter rips through this soaring, imaginative set in true authoritarian fashion: establishing, in a most convincing, demonstrative manner, that – beyond being one of the world’s foremost avant-garde performers and composers – Markus is one of the electric guitar’s most capable, imaginative modern representatives.

This Markus Reuter trio is a nuanced, highly-potent-yet-sensitive, forward thinking retake on the classic format — and “Truce” is the spellbinding evidence. Frequently channeling the ‘axe-wielding madman’ side of his musical persona, Markus Reuter doesn’t hold back on this album, takes no prisoners and leaves the dead to bury their own in his wake! For those with a robust palette for all things musically creative, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here. MoonJune Records, once again, serves up an offering to its listeners that is immediately essential.