Empirical is an award-winning British-based group with a youthful outlook. This, their third album, has newcomer pianist Fogel included as guest and he fits in well. They aim, or claim to aim, to expand on the fine traditions of jazz. They reference in passing such past masters as Clifford Brown, Elvin jones, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams and Eric Dolphy. Of the living, singer Bjork partly inspires Tom Farmer's Simply Things. It perhaps not as successful as his opener Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, which is mesmerising.

This title begs an honest critique. So I will state this music is new, ethercal and shimmering and deserving of the highest praise. Yin & Yang has lovely wibraphone from Lewis Wright and on the title track Elements Of Truth (Although listed as The Elements of Truth) he employs the glockenspiel. An Ambiguous State Of Mind has fine solos from Fogel and the quite incredible Nathaniel Facey, who plays a lot of notes. Lack of sleeve information leaves me with just the fresh contemporary music to comment upon, music that is tomorrow, new, raw, exciting and crying for recognition.

Given that, it's interesting to compare Empirical with The Black Eyed Peas, the American hip-hop group, who were apparently paid an estimated £1.5 million for their gig at the big wedding of the year. Well, so far this is my record of the year.