LES PORCHES

"Les Porches" is similar to the debut but without the dark passages and avant moments. So for my tastes the debut is much better. This is so well played and arranged though, very impressive. The music has a strong classical flavour and it is for the most part melancholic. This album consists of two long tracks and two short ones.

"Les Porches De Notre-Dame" is classical and pastoral with lots of flute and piano for the first 13 minutes. My favourite part of the whole album is the final 6 minutes of this song. First vocals come in and they are fragile, almost quivering but I like them. Sax before 15 minutes leads the way while bass impresses. Guitar takes over before 17 1/2 minutes and it's just fantastic ! Six minutes of these guys letting their hair down and showing some passion. "La Grosse Torche" is very classical with strings.

"Les Aventures De Saxinette Et Clarophone" is mellow with some atmosphere for a couple of minutes then a melody arrives. Piano and an uptempo melody before 4 minutes. I like the guitar after 6 1/2 minutes then it settles with percussion and vibes as the piano continues. Guitar is back 8 1/2 minutes in. A change after 9 minutes as horns come in. It's chaotic 11 1/2 minutes in. Great track. "Chromo" features lots of wind instruments,bass and drums. A calm before 3 minutes and it stays fairly restrained the rest of the way.

This really is like feasting at a gourmet meal. So many flavours to enjoy and experience. Easily 4 stars.