It takes confidence to title a debut release with a series of unpronounceable punctuations but guitarist/composer Robb Cappelletto does just that with !!!. Cappelletto's Toronto- based trio tackles a variety of styles from blues-rock to hard bop and ballads. Within each style they demonstrate an expert ability to negotiate some complex pieces in untraditional ways and, in the process, create a fresh sound. Eight of the ten compositions on !!! were penned by Cappelletto.

"Scare Tactics" open the set and is very much at home in the rock category. Drummer—and Cuban native—Amhed Mitchell supplies the appropriate propulsion while Cappelletto jumps to a quick burn; his playing is aggressive without being weighed down by excessive technique. Bassist Jon Maharaj solos in the lower register and returns intermittently keeping the tempo from flying out the window. The somewhat more moderately paced "Gotham" captures the mysterious feel of the city at night, emphasized by little stabs of apprehension conveyed in bursts from Cappelletto. Mitchell accentuates the tension as he creates the feeling of a hasty escape.

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