METAL-O-PHONE

A fascinating, vaguely ambient and dissonant approach to avant-garde music that almost rings more of jazz-rock/fusion, MeTaL-O-PHoNe's self-titled debut is adventurous to say the least. Benjamin Flament's vibraphones, sometimes slightly distorted, are omnipresent, and are largely the base of the music. Joachim Florent's bass playing, perhaps a little more traditional than what he does in Jean Louis, is nevertheless extremely impressive, and for the most part pretty catchy too. Elie Duris's drumming is jazzy and solid, never out of place. There is a somewhat hypnotic effect to the music, almost reminiscent of some of Hancock and Davis's fusion period.

Overall, an utterly fantastic album that should not be missed out by any avant-prog/RIO fan.