Review: Nels Cline’s ‘Consentrik Quartet’

Considering guitarist Nels Cline’s history, it’s no surprise that the music of the Consentrik Quartet occasionally has shades of rock. “Slipping Into Something” starts subtly before bursting into a drum-driven groove fit for a rock song. Tom Rainey (drums) and Chris Lightcap (bass) keep heads nodding as Ingrid Laubrock (tenor saxophone) and Cline impressively trade the limelight. The pair strike up an enthralling musical dialogue with inventive reactions and reinterpretations. The exchanges on “Slipping Into Something” exemplify the strong chemistry between Laubrock and Cline, a crucial component of the success of the Consentrik Quartet’s eponymous debut album (Blue Note, 2025). 

The Cline-Laubrock connection reaches searing heights on the compelling “House of Steam.” The juxtaposition between the saxophone’s warm tone and the guitar’s ethereal wail is stunning. Cline’s movement between lengthy notes and expressive flourishes combined with Laubrock’s understated approach creates a beautiful contrast. The rhythm section increases the pace in the second half of “House of Steam,” where Cline shifts back to a more traditional guitar tone for impressive interplay with Laubrock. 

Cline’s use of effects pays off well in different ways on “Inner Wall” and “The Bag.” Patient sax and bowed bass merge with the spacey echo of the guitar to form a mesmerizing atmosphere on “Inner Wall.” This ambiance is an eerie, effective build-up to the formidable climax of the tune, a thunderous extensive drum solo. Drums are given the spotlight again in the first half of “The Bag,” which features a powerful Rainey and Laubrock duo. The two play with an abrasive edge and complexity that shows a keen mutual understanding. When Cline enters, the warped tones and distortion of his fiery guitar solo give “The Bag” a compelling restless energy.

Cline’s talent makes one think he could fit in anywhere. He is equally comfortable ripping through a solo in a structured rock track as he is in an experimental jam session. He is the exact type of guitarist who perfectly fits into the Brooklyn improvised music scene that birthed the Consentrik Quartet. The quartet brings Cline’s compositions to life with an exciting sense of adventure and spontaneity. The album is just over an hour, but it does not feel like it – the skill on display makes time fly by. 

‘Consentrik Quartet’ is now available on Blue Note Records. It can be purchased directly from the label.

Photo credit: Nathan West