CARTEL CARNAGE

I'm really surprised how many negative ratings this album is getting, I love it! I got this album when It came out and have been listening to it pretty consistently ever since. What Really caught my attention was how unique the sound of this group is, it's a nice blend of classic jazz instrumentation with Metal-esq heavy drums and distorted bass. It's the kind of combination people make jokes about, who would have thought it might actually work! Some Highlights are "Houx-Wardiougue", for the amazing brass harmonies and crazy rhythms. "Adverse Anxiety And The Cheetah" is another great track, about half way through, the bass really shines with an unexpected funk inspired jam. Moments like these are what keep this album fresh throughout. If I had to find a downside it would be that maybe there is just too much content here. I think the album as a whole could have been better with just a few less minor tracks, but that's really quite a minor complaint. Overall, I would strongly recommend at least checking this album out, you might be surprised like I was when I first heard this gem.

Well, someone has obviously been listening to the free-form jamming of King Crimson. There's a lot going on here- electric, metal, jazz, improvization, space music, Zeuhl, and some other just random weirdness. The music is at it's best when Sylvain Cathala is going on the saxophone. Very much in the Mel Collins vein. Otherwise, this bogs down too often to sustain interest for an entire album. So, if you like the improvs of KING CRIMSON, or even some of the Brazilian band DIALETO, you may like this 2012 effort from France. In my mind, however, it is just lacking an indefinible something. Not weak but unconvincing, I guess.