Barend Tromp is a guitarist, bassist, and composer from the Netherlands whose music transcends borders and genres. With a background as diverse as his sound, Barend studied classical guitar at the Conservatory of Tilburg and attained a masters in Music Science at the University of Amsterdam. His passion for musical exploration led him to India and across Europe, where he studied the sitar under renowned masters. These influences — from Western classical to Indian raga — deeply inform his bass playing, resulting in a distinctive, genre-defying style.
We did a review of the previous album “Juvenile Fish Tales” so this new album fell into my lap for a listen and a review. It features contributions from prog icons Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelloto, both from King Crimson, and I was suitably in the mood for some edgy instrumentalisation and experimental sounds (must be the covert scientist in me!)
The press kit on the album tells me “In 2025, Barend took a bold leap into rhythmic experimentation with his third album, Odd Time Concepts, released on 7D Media — a U.S.-based label founded by visionary King Crimson alumnus Trey Gunn. Each of the album’s eleven tracks explores a unique time signature, ranging from familiar meters like 3/4 to more adventurous odd time signatures such as 13/16 and 21/8. Featuring four drummers, including progressive rock icon Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), the album also includes a standout Warr guitar solo by Trey Gunn on the track “Madhuvanti.” Despite its experimental nature, the album remains accessible — maintaining groove and clarity throughout.”
My review:
The album has 11 songs and lasts just over 45 minutes.
It was released on June 6, so it is on all platforms now.
1. “Sitharsis” sets the pulse with an interesting vibrant sound montage that fuses the sound of India with a techno pop groove. At the risk of sounding like a sixties reviewer (I’m not lol), I dug the drum sound and the overall groove. It took me to a movie soundtrack for a film as yet unmade.
2. “Gamelan Sepuluh” again leans to the East, but includes swirling synth sounds and a move more toward sci-fi. It’s an auditory sensory experience with the headphones on!
3. “Life Path 21” throbs. It took me into the feel of a moving train, or perhaps one of those bars we see on a lonely planet on a Star Wars Music. You know, you are listening to these experimental sounds and you take your trip where you will – I can only say where it takes me to!
4. “Heavy Slap” is one of the shorter tracks on the album. It plays with a riff and takes a strong drum beat to the rhythm. I got into this one.
5. “Madhuvanti” brings in a spiky guitar sound, a chill in the air and a rolling sound that haunts its way through an edgy number.
6. “Baritone War” is a strong track, one of the rock based numbers on the album. It has a musical harmony, the layers of the instruments are interesting and the drum anchor is solid.
7. “Chromatron” (Parts 1-3) at 2.24 this is one of the shortest tracks on the album. It has a trippy feel to it, very sci-fi on acid. I enjoyed an effect like running we had mid section.
8. “Thirteen” is unlucky for some! But in this case it introduces a slightly funky feel to the rhythm and it plays with a bass sound that works nicely. Again, a soundtrack that seems to be searching for the visual to fit alongside it.
9. “Access to the Sixth Dimension” is a very sci-fi feeling track. It kind of vibrated through my headphones! It was very in the lane for this album, one of the more poppy and accessible numbers.
10. “Pandrah Ka Yantra” brings back the East/Sci-Fi crossover back. If an alien is walking their way through old Bombay, then this is the sound they would have a jive to!
11. “Chromatron” (Parts 4-5) is very brief. It is poppy techno and closes things down in an uplifting way.
Standout tracks: “Sitharsis” and “Heavy Slap.”
Listening to Odd Time Concepts is less like spinning a record and more like embarking on a sonic expedition — one that’s at once rooted in spiritual curiosity. Barend Tromp is crafting auditory landscapes and shooting them into a prog-fuelled future. While this review was a tough one to pin down — partly because the album resists easy categorization — I ultimately found it a rewarding listen. If you’re ready for a rhythmic journey that bends time and borders, this album is worth stepping into.
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You can stream music by Barend Tromp here
Barend Tromp – fretted and fretless basses, fretted and fretless guitars, sitar and synths Trey Gunn – Warr guitar solo on 5
Pat Mastelotto – drums on 8
Ron van Stratum – drums on 2 & 10
Nathan van de Wouw – drums on 1 & 6
Eugene Vugts – drums on 4
All songs composed and mixed by Barend Tromp
Mastered by Michael Valentine
West Graphic design by Maarten Tromp
By Anna-Louise Burgess