ÉLECTRONIQUE NOIRE

I am a bit shocked to realize that it took a combined effort of 11 musicians - that include "only" three bass players - to create such little sound. Little surprise then that the bass tends to dominate, well, sort of.- if only because of the relative absence of the other instruments.

The end result is much closer to Bill Laswell doing his Industrial approach - in his sleep. The nature of this rather dark and gloomy offer could be described as sort of a chill-out after a heavy night, The odd muso briefly regaining consciousness and contrary to a massive hangover, still able to reach the nearest instrument - not necessarily their own...! .

There are brief burst of activity here and there, before the crew runs out of puff and falls into yet another cat nap. During these bursts - which are pretty good and slightly reminiscent of Miles Davis' rhythm section in the '70s - the listener can finally ascertain that there is indeed, a guitar player present. Come to think of it, the album is under his name after all, so he'd better join in!

But seriously, judging by the odd moment of activity, I have no doubt that the very same musicians could create masterpieces, At times a comparison with ECM releases wouldn't be out of place. The difference is that ECM produces "thinking man's", music whereas this album is closer to "sleeping men".

I am not at all convinced that over time this music would grow on me. Rather the opposite, so 3,5 at the most..