Apart from boasting the most pretentious sleeve-notes since Yes quoted the Shastric Scriptures on Tales of Topographic Oceans, The Ill-Tempered Klavier is simultaneously a brave attempt to push forward fusion and a lesson in why virtuosity is held in suspicion by the rock community. Chris Lyon is at his best when he sticks closely to the classical tradition - on opener Der Klavierspiel his proficiency supports an astounding array of moods and Molly's Blooming is a sensuous Cool Jazz strut. Unfortunately, Kevin Glasgow's busy bass frequently overburdens the songs, tipping Pterodactylic Hexameters towards the pomposity of its title and Lyon's tendency to noodle renders Free Market Orgonomics and Offa's Dyke as soporific as Elton John instrumentals. Still, when he lets the drummer have some - notably on Thus Swung Zarasthrustra and the almost rocking Everything You Know - he generates an intellectual art-rock excitement. His skills are not to be doubted, but Lyon is fusing the wrong influences, heading back to the overblown super-groups and Miles Davis' electric period rather than thinking about how God Speed! or Talk Talk allow jazz and classical to inform their music. [Gareth K Vile]