LE BOIS TRAVAILLE, MÊME LE DIMANCHE

Ange, one of these groups that never bothered much with translating their titles to English (be it names of albums, songs or even lyrics itself). They simply continued in French (except one album as far as I know). They also remained prolific through last 4 decades (except 90s that were quite dry). However, what changed a lot was their sound. As usual with groups from 70s, they suffered degradation of sound in 80s to find themselves in shape (like I often say) after revolution (of 89, political one, completely unrelevant to Ange's music business though), even not regaining their former glance of "golden era".

But Ange is quite successful even nowadays. Let's face it, it's not the same music as it was before, they moved elsewhere. It's not that much of Symphonic as it used to be, but is it Prog ? Is it interesting ? Is it enjoyable to just listen to this music, forget about Symphonic roots and take it as it is ? I think that answer is yes. It's still dark music, but differently. Modern sounds that either aren't as much good (as their former sound), or simply aren't so good at all (without comparison). I'm not sure. But hope is not yet lost completely, because from band that's active for 41 years (some personal changes I suppose, but it's still Ange), it's bold release.

4(-), just try it.

Ange rediscovered their prog credentials in the 2000's after,by their high standards,some less than essential releases in the 80's and 90's.This one from 2010 marks a heavier and more intense direction,continued with 2012's Moyen Age.There is not the odd vaudeville,light relief track found in previous albums,which some love (like me) and some find irritating! This release almost plays as a suite of music from beginning to end. Highlights are track 2 which rocks hard; track 7 which builds up dramatically to a wonderful symphonic climax courtesy of Tristan Decamps superb keys; track 9 which has a memorable haunting melody.I would think Steven Wilson would be an influence on this album- it has his haunting trademarks,but this is the one and only Ange- cementing their place in prog's hierarchy. It will take a few listens,but it is worth the wait!!

1. Butterflies, Flying Kites with the sound which is further modernized, given the synth and the slow and long tempo, which drags on; by far a long title, by near a title which will not be a landmark, the group being simply rock focused 2. Outlaw for the dynamite boogie rock air, a title which takes on wanderings from previous albums; very good for those who don't know, unique and perplexing the fan, ah aleluia what; the pulse is taken, the titles are elongated, not good for the moment 3. Wood Works, Even on Sunday intro Serra from 80 and 'Sève' from 89; Tristan tries his hand at singing, Caroline too, one of the annoying points, no she did not know or be able to make her place; the title is based on a monologue from Christian, bursting out to the point of a crazy break, a fusion of contemporary jazz rock and screams enhanced by an angry guitar; the prog is no longer what was hoped for, we are getting closer to a cyclothymic MAGMA, a warlike BROGUIERE; the dark eponymous piece, with a captivating climate which would have deserved live recognition just for the finale to TANGERINE DREAM which shocks and shows a forgotten part of the group 4. Under the Nose of Pinocchio, this strange title borders on heavy rock with a jerky crescendo and a singular air, between world trance and crazy rock; a sudden break with string instruments, ah synth when you hold us, keeps the ear in suspense 5. Voyage En Autarky spatial keyboard, easy a cappella voice, Christian on the sugar battle, yes when it is his voice that keeps you in suspense; the words pile up and intertwine to create a crescending monologue; difficult to access

6. Never Alone in acoustics, on a text that is always gripping, having nothing else to say but doing it very well; accordion for one of the rare times, a nursery rhyme finally to sit down and admire the voice once again 7. L'Oeil Et L'Ouïe in a piano bar atmosphere at night, preferably jazzy; it's in the head that it's going to happen; and here as an aside, why have these titles never been performed live, why have we always included the unmissable ones? Yes I wonder because this piece has everything of an angelic sound; the finale with this enjoyable orchestral rise and a beautiful solo from Hassan which follows Christian's cry; in short I persist why not put it live, it was well worth it; a crescendo as I like without diet 8. White Clown and the guitar riff reminding me of the Crimson King from the 'Discipline' era; well otherwise a story of a queen of spades, an echoing vocal with choir and Caroline that many have snubbed, well what is she doing there... Well she was part of the group all the same 9. Checkers And Dominos go after the cards let's walk with dominoes for the languorous ballad which honors the syrupy keyboard; Christian plays with his voice, I would say as usual, with warmth and delicacy; the final cinematic atmosphere too short, 10. Collines Roses with Caroline in front for an invasive dark wave piece; Tristan for the distant choirs shows that he has more to do than that, yes it is said; good one crescendo one more for a monolithic tune a bit soporific 11. Ultime Atome (Anatomy of a Tale in Rebours) arrives, from the ANGE as we like, soft, gripping and hypnotic in the phrasing; the break also on an avant-garde chamber orchestra with brass, bells, as if the atoms were about to collide; the rest starts with a languorous guitar solo, marshmallow, yes I like that word, it makes me hungry; it's spatial prog, between sweet melancholy and hope in vain; to make fun of the detractors I like; it continues with 12. In the Shadow of Pictograms and its endless melodic flow, words coming out of Christian's mouth as if it were raining; the pictograms let the sound come, the violin on metallic percussions, the Cello, the guitar of the London gangsters comes to light, the progression is there and becomes grandiloquent; do not underestimate this Dantesque finale and remember that Ange is immortal.