According to Moncur, "Gnostic" is a free jazz piece "which eliminates a pulsating meter", representing the achievement of salvation through the expression of knowledge and wisdom.[3] "Thandiwa" (Zulu: "Beloved One") is the least experimental track of the album. "The Twins", a portrayal of his twin brother, is built off only one chord; he considered the rhythm the focal point of the composition.[3] "Nomadic" is centered on a drum solo by Tony Williams.
The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow states, "Grachan Moncur III was one of the top trombonists of the jazz avant-garde in the 1960s although he had only a few chances to lead his own record sessions. This 1964 set (which has been reissued on CD) was one of his finest... None of the compositions caught on but the strong and very individual improvising of the young musicians is enough of a reason to acquire the advanced music."[4]
