Panghalina's "Lava" is an immersive journey into the avant-garde, a sonic tapestry woven with threads of free jazz, ambient soundscapes, and experimental improvisation by three talented women - Helen Svoboda (double bass and vocals), Bonnie Stewart (drum kit and vocals) and Maria Moles (drum kit and synthesizer) -, who chose the Filipino word "Panghalina" (roughly translating the word 'magnetism') for their awesome project. This album, recorded at Pow Wow Studios in Melbourne and meticulously mixed by Tim Harvey, encapsulates the ethos of creative freedom and artistic expression, supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia.

The opening track, "Not Super", sets the tone with its atmospheric evocation of a railway yard at dawn, blending the serenity of a new day with the latent energy of industrial machinery. This piece, like much of the album, defies conventional structures, opting instead for an organic progression that feels both deliberate and spontaneous.

"Whale Dance" aptly captures the essence of its title, conjuring images of majestic marine creatures through its fluid, almost symphonic interplay of instruments. The use of woodwinds and percussion here is particularly striking, creating a soundscape that is at once otherworldly and deeply resonant.

The entrancing "Glass Lake" (definitely one of my favorite moments of the album) and "Backstroke" continue this exploration of natural imagery, with the former invoking a serene yet somewhat mysterious lakeside scene, while the latter immerses the listener in the visceral experience of swimming against the waves. The contrast between these tracks highlights Panghalina's ability to manipulate mood and texture, guiding the listener through a varied emotional landscape.

The album reaches a rhythmic and melodic peak with "Once More", which introduces a more structured, almost groove-like element into the mix. This track stands out for its shuffly 5/4 feel and a compelling double bass line, offering a brief respite from the album's more abstract passages.

"Nightmare at A1 Bakery" and the closer, "Stellar Tides", encapsulate the album's thematic and musical diversity. The former continues the album's exploration of surreal and evocative soundscapes, while the latter brings a surprisingly warm, major-key conclusion to the journey. The subtle nod to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in "Stellar Tides" is a delightful touch, adding a layer of familiarity and whimsy to the complex, reverb-drenched composition. That's definitely an albumthat demands repeated listening to discover new and often surprising layers and nuances.