JONGLERIES ÉLASTIQUES

Another great album by Miriodor. I refer the reader to my review of Parade for a more detailed review of their music. Here I just want to say that Jongleries Elastiques is every bit as good as Parade. Like Parade, each track contains the same complex, fugue-like grooves that branch out into many different styles and atmospheres, constantly twisting and turning and carrying the listener along a roller-coaster adventure.

The playing by all the band members is first-rate, but special mention must be made of guitarist and bassist, Bernard Falaise. He is capable of playing in many different styles - from nimble jazz-like runs, to fiery rock solos, to textural ambient soundscapes - but always his contributions are perfectly in tune with what the other band members are doing. Indeed, that is a special trait of the band as a whole. No one is striving to outdo the others. All egos are kept firmly in check. The focus is solely on ensemble playing and the integrity of the composition. And what compositions!

As with Parade, the music is beautifully recorded and produced, although the bass isn't quite as prominent in the mix as it could have been. On Parade, the bass has a nice fat sound which really adds to the pleasure of listening to the complicated bass lines. It's not too bad here, just a little trebly and quiet. But other than that, the album is a pleasure to listen to.

Very good- Melodies, rhythms! Weird kind of those.

Reminds me of a Finnish ridiculous band Eläkeläiset, drunken synth old people's folk dance rock, though this is much better and instrumental, and as Eläkeläiset counts on humour, Miriodor has some instrumental humour - or, actually this isn't funny (and it is good thing), it just sounds like that. Sometimes it's a bit irritating, at least in the more boring parts.

The sound is great, symphonic and fat with highs and lows, also in moods, heavy and almost absolutely happy - though often they just seem to be happy. I think this is pretty dark. And every song is different, though the music is often quite patternish. And the word "circus avant-garde" can be used here (like in many avant-garde acts, too..), with a French street feeling (though the band is Canadian) - still they aren't too distinguishing, maybe because of the diversity. Because this is definitely progressive. This isn't jazz, classical music or march music.. I'm glad that there's avant-garde!

Grenaille (0:10) is a nice little piano avant-garde song in the middle and lets us to continue to Poupées Russes (Bacouchka), nice funky vivid song, with no funk at all ni it actually. But maybe I won't separate the songs - I can't say there's songs over others.

As a Canadian I have to say that MIRIODOR really make me proud.These guys consistantly put out amazing record after amazing record.They play in that complex Chamber Rock style like UNIVERS ZERO only they're into humour. Man they can play though. Six guests adding vocals, trombone, trumpet, violin, flute and violincello. This album ("Elastic Juggling") has a circus theme to it and i'll use the English song titles.

"The Knife Thrower" is a collage of sounds with organ, horns and drums standing out. Dissonant horns then guitar after 1 1/2 minutes. Great song ! "Bloody Party" is a top three for me. It's darker with powerful outbursts. Violin and a lighter sound before a minute. Angular guitar joins in as flute and drums follow. Themes are repeated. This is possibly the best track on here. "Crumb" is an uptempo track with intricate guitar and drums. "Babouchka" is another short track with keyboards and drums standing out. "Tightrope Walker" is uptempo with horns after 2 1/2 minutes. It's uptempo again before 4 minutes with piano and drums leading. "Three Clowns" features horns,drums and organ before the guitar comes ripping in briefly. The guitar is back making noise a minute later. "Lima Bean" features piano with clanging sounds in the background. "The Caterpillar Tamer" has a slow moving rhythm. It picks up before 1 1/2 minutes then picks up even more after 2 minutes as the guitar, drums and horns lead. It settles before 4 minutes to end it. "43" has some crazy vocal expressions that make it interesting. I like the keyboards. A calm 2 1/2 minutes in then it kicks in with horns. Nice.Keyboards late.

"Igor, The Motorbike Bear" is a top three. It opens with violin,cello and acoustic guitar. The tempo picks up before a minute and we get a full sound. Heavier 3 1/2 minutes in with some excellent guitar in tow. It calms down late. "The Little Ship's Terrible Wreck" opens with accordion and bass. It kicks in before 2 minutes with guitar and drums. Great sound. "Black Tide" has this nice heavy and dark sound. "Thomas The Imposter" is a short guitar/horn melody. "Strong Men Ring A Bell !" is uptempo and the drums eventually dominate. Chunky bass then guitar follow. "Wire Eater" has these voice samples as marching style drums come in. Violin 2 minutes. It gets darker and crazier before 4 minutes. "Mata Hari" is laid back and I really like it. "Mrs. X" is in competition with "Bloody Party" as the best track on here for me. Sounds breathe in and out then bass and drums come in with guitar. Amazing ! It settles with piano after 1 1/2 minutes then kicks back in as contrasts continue. "Argentina Vs Brazil" is the short final tune where drums and piano stand out.

I still prefer their debut but this is incredible.