NI VENT... NI NOUVELLE

Third album by my favorite Québec progressive rock band. This time, they went for a jazzier style even if they still show strong folk influences. Maneige has always been great to blend folk elements into their fusion. Their first albums may even be classified as folk-classical instrumental rock but, in Ni vent Ni nouvelle, they clearly added more jazz elements.

This album is one of the most enjoyable instrumental album I've heard in my life. However, the sheer happiness of this album may prove to be irritating if you're feeling depressed. It's got to be the most vibraphone-happy album I've heard. In fact, the really important presence of melodic percussions contributes to make this album so joyful. The beautiful flutes and piccolos also has to make you smile. The only tracks that are not 100% happy are the two jazzier pieces : Les Épinettes and Mambo Chant. These two are truly wonderful. The album ends with a song that I would use without any doubts as a theme for a kids or comedy show.

The musicianship in this album is outstanding. There aren't any solos or showoff. The musicians always play together but it's easy to see the skills of these guys. The playing is cristal clear.

To make it short, I recommend this album to anyone who likes music. In fact, I recommend most of Maneige stuff to anyone on this website. I don't see how anyone can be truly disappointed. 5 stars!

Air vibraphone time!

-Bern