JONGLERIES ELASTIQUES

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.