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Xavi Reija Electric Quintet — Nu Breed
(Moonjune MJR148, 2026, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2026-10-07

Nu Breed Cover art

When compared to the previous releases I’ve heard by Spanish drummer Xavi Reija (Resolution and The Sound of the Earth), this Electric Quintet album is, perhaps ironically, a bit less electric, leaning more towards a smoother jazz sound. Not to say it would qualify as “smooth jazz” for the most part, since it’s got more punch and energy than you’d generally find in that area. As on many of his previous releases, Reija is joined by guitarist Dušan Jevtović and bassist Bernat Hernández, and the quintet is rounded out by Tomás Fosch on keyboards and Rafael Garcés on sax. “Dreamscape Room” is the opening track, and it starts out with a contemplative wash of electric piano that sets up a pretty sax melody. The tune works into a lightly funky groove with the bass and drums, but retains an easy and friendly attitude. It’s with the following track, “Are You Religious?,” that the band shows its other side, tearing into the kind of aggressive guitar that we’re used to from Jevtović and a much more edgy sax tone from Garcés. This is my favorite track on the album, and shows a group of musicians who can really cook. “Dusan Song” is another high energy track, though less wild in the guitar work. For comparisons, think of Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy mashed together with Moroccan Roll and a bit of Emergency! and Black Market. One interesting factor is that Fosch sticks almost entirely with electric piano, only bringing in a Minimoog occasionally (like the fun solo on “We Keep Walking”), and no other keyboards. Nu Breed stands as ample evidence that Xavi Reija is a drummer and band leader worth paying attention to, and this quintet makes for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases

Related artist(s): Dušan Jevtović, Xavi Reija

More info
http://xavireija-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/nu-breed

 

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