JARDIN NIPPON

Here we have the latest EP from Anglo-French outfit Silver Hunter who comprise Tim Hunter (guitars, synthesiser, keyboards, sequencing, drums, alto sax, lead vocals) and Thierry Sportouche (lead vocals, spoken words) with Jasmine Isa Butterworth returning to provide backing vocals again. This four-track 17-minute-long EP features two tracks with lead vocals from Thierry, one with Tim (spoken words from Thierry) as well as a short instrumental arrangement of Ravel's "Bolero". Since their formation some nine years ago I think I have heard all their releases, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is their most complete and interesting to date.

Reminiscent of the early 70's art rock scene, this is not as mainstream as much prog, but instead is out of left field, and does require some playing to fully get the most out of, but by the third time through I found I was really enjoying it as there is something in this rough naivety which is appealing. They have allowed themselves to have fun, with "Temple Des Druides", in particular, having some nice guitar and harmonies, while the keyboards used in this are wonderfully dated. I have of course known Thierry for some 30 years now and have written for his essential progzine Acid Dragon for a lot of that period, so he is a friend of mine who often sends me music, and kindly contributed to Vol 4 of TPU, but that friendship has not affected my review as this is a really enjoyable listen. Pop over to Bandcamp and try it out for yourself.