Neutrons

Chicago’s jazz and rock undergrounds mingled freely in the ‘90s, producing compelling efforts like this one-off document of the so-called Denison/Kimball Trio — actually the duo of Jesus Lizard guitarist Duane Denison and Laughing Hyenas / Mule drummer Jim Kimball — operating as an actual trio with the addition of Ken Vandermark on reeds. It’s a comfortable fit, with Vandermark, an avowed aficionado of left-field rock, easily finding a foothold in the pair’s quirky blend of avant-lounge-jazz stylings and ominous post-punk soundscapes. It’s a rare treat to hear the saxophonist and Denison trade squirrely lines on “Monte’s Casino” and to hear Vandermark rip over a tense, pounding groove on the title track.