LA VIEILLE QUE L'ON BRÛLA

In a way it was the flip side to the experience of the Arachnoid album for me, another from 70s France. Both give much care and attention to the arrangement, great playing, and a wide variety of interesting sounds. However whereas the Arachnoid album was quite dark and downbeat in mood, Ripaille is more upbeat, joyful, and wears a good sense of humor. I'm speaking of the music, not the lyrics which are in French for which I don't speak.

This is an album with many layers and requires multiple spins to reward, but reward it shall. It is more keyboard oriented than guitar and quite folkish. The comparisons of others to Gryphon and GG are understandable and I would add that I hear traces of some of the classic Italian bands as well. Some of the keyboard runs on this album sound so bizarre the first few times you hear them but later on end up making the song. This album is the definition of a "grower" in my opinion. Give it time.

The Musea reissue is great with bonus tracks and nice art. The booklet has the full band history with photos. One of the photos features the band practicing in an attic space and captures perfectly the camaraderie of band life. Anyone who's played in a band will appreciate the moment.

Serious, classy, yet quirky and strange. Ripaille is a feast!

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