The Oslo quartet Pixel mine the same intersection of brainy post-rock and melodic jazz as outfits like Medeski, Martin & Wood or Kneebody. The most noticeable difference here, however, is the presence of bassist/singer Ellen Andrea Wang, who also writes the music. While trumpeter Jonas Kilmork Vemoy, saxophonist Harold Lassen, and drummer Jon Audun Baar all make strong contributions, it’s rare to hear this kind of music with a vocalist, never mind one who has a jazz singer’s range and pop singer’s natural delivery (in English). It lands Wang in same general territory as Esperanza Spalding (another bassist/singer), which certainly isn’t a bad thing. The dancing “Be Mine” starts things with a bang while the bass, percussion, and vocals of “Time” close things on a spooky note. In between are several tunes where the horns and vocals harmonize to great effect, though the horns come to the fore for the tightly orchestrated “Farris” and the unrelentingly groovy “Sigma.” Those looking for something on the poppier side of things will dig the catchy “Edge.” Wang and Pixel are onto something with this intriguing sophomore album.