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.

MeTal-O-PHoNe's music can be described as: 1. Ambient 2. Jazzy 3. Avant-gardy (New word? Definitely!) 4. Incredible. The fact that this trio can create such a beautiful, mysterious and interesting experience every time I listen to it just increases my appreciation for this. I will go as far as saying this a must for any avant-garde fan, even though this is such unknown music. It really is an amazing gem and I mean every word.

The French trio consists of vibraphonist Benjamin Flament, bassist Joachim Florent (who is also in other incredible avant-jazz trio Jean Louis, which shall be reviewed at time in La Futura), and drummer Elie Duris. I think it is safe to call all of them virtuosos. Flament's vibraphone goes through several effects such as distortion to create a truly literally chilling effect (It literally sounds cold I really can't explain it). He weaves this amazing patterns that creates this aura of incredible awesomness. He's playing adds such an interesting element to the band which makes them wholly unique.

Bassist Joachim Florent is one of the more powerful players (I can name him as one my very few bassist influences along with Hugh Hopper and... Hugh Hopper (RIP Hugh)). He upright bass can be dead on precise, and his bowing action is perfect, eerie and nerve wrecking. His lines are almost groovy while having a completely chaotic feeling.

Elie Duris is an interesting drummer and I mean that in the best way possible. His playing varies from heavy (Again, literally heavy feeling), to this beautiful light jazz drumming which is all over the place and completely in sync at once. One if not the best drummer I have heard from France in a while.

The music is has a powerful effect. It is all hazily constructed yet with a corroding feeling. Yeah. The industrial music influence which might exist is strongly felt on this album as there's serious attention is payed to texture. As I've already said twice the texture is so perfectly made that I can literally feel the music and not many anythings can do that. I mean when you listen to "Vision I" transfer to the INCREDIBLE "Rooms" you feel like your stuck in a tubular bell (eh. ah. haha). The tracks here weave together beautifully and all are more or less perfect so to say there's highlights is tough but for the first-time listener I would listen to "Steve Reich in Babylon", as Flament slowly builds this dome of sound which gives me claustrophobia.

I can't explain the effect this album has on me but it's overwhelming almost. It's a challenging piece of work but you'll like it right away if avant your thang. It's such an incredible jewel that should really be a bit more appreciated in this website. So I push all of you to check it out. (Also Jean Louis is a definite check out so go nuts)