THE VIOLENCE OF AMATEURS

Upon playing this album for the first time, it didn't take too long before I realized there's something especially unique and different about French TV. "The Violence Of Amateurs" is French TV's sixth album, but these guys are in no way amateurs. They play very complex, jazzy RIO compositions that are just crammed with so much going on every minute, it's almost easy to lose track sometimes! But what is most rewarding is how upbeat and playful the music is. It's pretty clear these guys like progressive rock, but they don't take it all too seriously. For an instrumental album, it's really quite funny.

The first two songs are fast and upbeat, with an emphasis on horns and have some killer guitar solos. The next song, "The Odessa Steps Sequence" is slightly slower and darker (by French TV standards) and features a more prominent use of keyboards, which gives it a more electronic feel. "Mail Order Quarks" is a softer tune and features some excellent jazzy guitar. "Tiger Tea" is a lot like the previous song, but has plenty of its own interesting twists. The final song, "Joosan Lost/The Fate" is a Zamla Mamma's Manna cover. I haven't heard the original version, but this one is very good. The song is bookended by a very fast and structured passage, but things get a little looser and slower in the middle which is more atmospheric and free form than before.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who is looking for a great RIO album and wants to have fun while listening. The band's performance and compositional skills are incredible, so you won't be disappointed.

Standout songs: "The Secret Life Of Walter Riddle", "Tiger Tea"