Xavi Reija Electric Quintet: Nu Breed

Drummer Xavi Reija has put a new band together to give us a superb new release from MoonJune records. “Dream Land� immediately sinks its teeth into you with that bubbling bassline and drum groove. Unison lead lines from guitarist Dusan Jevtovic and saxophonist Rafael Garces make a catchy and memorable opener. There is a loose and raw feel to the album, and at times it sounds like the band veers off into improvisation. The electric keys that run through this track (and album) are the icing on the cake. “Dusan Song� keeps the ball rolling, this one drips with groove and great playing, one of my favorite tracks. The soloing is melodic, upbeat, and you can feel the fun these guys are having laying down these tracks. Every musician gets a chance to shine throughout the album, and a live feel and energy exists in the music. The title track gets ripping, that looseness is back in an effective way, I love the walking bassline that breaks out, you get ripping sax over the top, and the electric keys shine. “Reflections� is a moody sax led song where those electric keys standout while “Dreamscape Room� simmers slowly, but builds the intensity to the boiling point with more great lead sax. “Are You Religious?� is a rocker, I love the lick that opens the track, that raw guitar tone from Jevtoic gets me, easily my favorite tune here.

Nu Breed is an album I continue going back to, and repeated listens keep revealing more to the ear. Everything fits perfectly, as great as the playing is it feels the main purpose is to serve the song.

Track Listing
1. Dream Land
2. Dusan Song
3. Nu Breed
4. Reflections
5. Dreamscape Room
6. We Keep Walking
7. Are You Religious?
8. Two Sides

Added: April 11th 2026
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Xavi Reija Electric Quintet @ bandcamp
Hits: 22
Language: english

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