NI VENT... NI NOUVELLE

These guys really blew my socks off ! Classically trained and very creative. Shorter songs this time which didn't go over too well with song writer and keyboardist Jerome Langlois, who left prior to the recording of this album because of that.This is so different, the variety of instruments, the xylophone, vibraphone and on and on, all creating a fresh, energetic album that is truly progressive.

"Le Gai Marvin" features lots of flute as other sounds come and go.This is a short intro tune. "La Fin De L'Histoire" has some atmosphere to it. I really love the way this one sounds. Flute leads the way for the first half then it changes to a more uptempo track. "Les Folleries" is a song that seems to show off almost all of the instrumentalists playing abilities, a mixed bag that is yet very cohesive. So much going on here once it gets going. A collage of intricate sounds. A change after 1 1/2 minutes. Very cool to hear the guitar and sax trade soos as the bass digs deep. Amazing stuff ! I could almost mention the drumming on every song, it's pretty amazing. Check it out before 4 minutes. Flute is back. The song continues to change and evolve. "Les Epinettes" is pastoral to open with piano and acoustic guitar leading the way. Flute comes in and leads.

"Mambo Chant" opens with piano melodies. Bass and guitar join the percussion and synths. Piano is back leading before 2 1/2 minutes. Drums and bass are prominant a minute later. Sax late with percussion and drums. "Douce-Amere" has these xylophone sounds that sound pretty upbeat and silly. Drums join in with guitar. Vocal melodies 2 minutes in sound great. A change after 3 minutes to a good beat with atmosphere then guitar joins in. Amazing sound ! "Le Gros Roux" opens with bass and vibes. Flute and drums take over.The contrasts continue. "Au Clair De La Prune" is jazzy to open. Lots of sax throughout the first half then it settles as flute leads the way. "11 Juillet" becomes uptempo with some great sax and drumming. "Time Square" is the silly 1 1/2 minute closer. The bonus tracks come from the live record "Composite" and the four songs truly are worthy additions. Love the flute on the last live song, it really reminds me of the flute that SINKADUS is famous for. "Douce Amere" boasts some terrific guitar. And "Etrange Hiver" is a beautiful flute laden song.

Looking for something a little different ? You can't go wrong with this record. After their self titled debut this is my favourite from them.