Hydrogen Sonata is a suite of “space music” pieces. Maybe “SciFi soundtrack” is a better description. It is clearly and intentionally not a jazz recording and brings out the other side of Peter Kienle, who composed, played, recorded and produced the whole thing. Nearly every BeebleBrox, 3rd Man or Kwyjibo CD contains at least one “space music” track. Sometimes added despite heavy resistance by the respective band members. Also, usually music is written, then rehearsed with a band, played live and after having become familiar with the material it’s recorded. So there are often restrictions because of the ‘live’ component.
Hydrogen Sonata, and upcoming projects with NewNow, start with a concept, an idea, and never get sidetracked with the requirement that the music has to be performed live at some point. There is also no stylistic boundary.