OISOLÜN

The strangely named OIAPOK is a brand spanking new so-called neo-Canterbury jazz band from Strasbourg, France which is the next chapter of the previous band Camembert that released a couple albums in the last decade and then sort of disappeared. Essentially the reboot of Camembert by bassist / acoustic guitarist Pierre Warwzygniak, OIAPOK offers a refreshing new take on the future of jazz-rock with its debut release OISOLÜN which sounds like a bizarre mix of nu jazz, progressive rock, tropical, folk, post-minimalism and perhaps Stereolab unplugged!

In reality OIAPOK scores a refreshingly original sound right out of the gate (i have to admit i haven't heard the previous band Camembert yet) with a rather unique lineup of instruments that includes not only the rock instrumentation of guitar, bass and drums but also two trombonists, a harp, xylophone, vibraphone and flutes. Most prominent though is the unique angelic singing style of lead vocalist Mélanie Gerber who keeps the music soaring high like the little birdie on the album cover art! The album features six tracks that claim to be the hybridization of Herbie Hancock, Hermeto Pascoal and Björk but i fail to make those connections myself.

In reality OIAPOK doesn't really sound like any of the above despite obvious influences that have mined the entire history of music for inspiration. Existing in the light breezy section of modern jazz-fusion, OIAPOK offers clever motifs that deliver jazz sounds through various ethnic rhythms in tandem with various progressive rock characteristics. With jittery vibraphone attacks reminiscent of classic Frank Zappa and jazzy chord progressions indeed reminiscent of the Canterbury jazz of the 70s, OIAPOK seems as rooted in the past as it is in propelling the nu jazz world into the future.

This is a fun feel good album for sure with nice tight rhythms offering soft warm tones and timbres launched to the heavens above with Gerber's divine diva vocal style. Add to the mix is a distinct Magma style with vocalizations more inspired by Kobaia than our home planet. The zeuhl rhythms percolate through although jittery moments of avant-prog angularity occur from time to time as well. Although guitars are present they are very low in the mix therefore this album doesn't come off as a rock album in many ways as the dominant sounds emerge from the vibraphone, bass, horns and flute.

What a strong debut from this unique band from Strasbourg! Included is a guest keyboard slot by none other than Yugen's Paolo "Ske" Botta who appears on five of the six tracks so anyone familiar with Ske's eclectic prog albums will have somewhat of an idea what to expect however OIAPOK is clearly in a world of its own making. A very interesting mix of disparate genre that points to a beautiful contemporary fusion of jazz-rock, classic prog and various ethnic influences. Add to that strong melodic hooks that are instantly addictive and you really can't go wrong with OISOLÜN. This is what i call light and fluffy music that doesn't mess around.