Jaga Jazzist

One-Armed Bandit

Ninja Tune

3/5

The Norwegian's first album for five years is proggier than ever. Switchback themes, dizzying time changes and a mix of proper instruments and ye-olde synths summon up the shade of Frank Zappa, while a new Afro-beat influence has led composer Lars Horntveth to speak of "Wagner meets Fela Kuti". But the relentless effort can become rather fatiguing.

Phil Johnson

Rebel/Vivaldi

Les Eléments/Le Quattro Stagioni Harmonia Mundi

3.5/5

There is little to link Les Eléments and Le Quattro Stagioni beyond their pictorial daring and the number four. Jean-Féry Rebel's depiction of Chaos predates Haydn's by 60 years, and is the most revolutionary gesture in his "nouvelle symphonie". Berlin's Akademie delivers an elegant performance with piquant avian effects.

Midori Seiler's Vivaldi is a slow burner. Spring is tame and twee though.

Anna Picard