CONTRE-COURANT

4.5 stars. No doubt this is one of the best albums to come out of Quebec, and that's saying something.The music here is so intricate and precise. It's one of those albums I listen to carefully, taking in the collage of sounds that is presented flawlessly. These guys play so amazingly well. All five members take part vocally (French), but it's the instrumental work that is usually the focus.

"Le Temps Des Pissenlits" is my favourite, especially the last half of the song. It opens with piano and it's soon joined by flute. Drums and synths take over and we get a catchy melody 2 minutes in. I really like the drumming that follows with flute. Guitar then vocals before 4 minutes. I love the vocals on this track. Lots of piano and drums with those great sounding vocals. This goes on until the song is almost over. Nice. "Il Etait Magicien" opens with intricate acoustic guitar as piano, drums and flute join in. The tempo shifts at will. Vocals a minute in with crisp drumming and piano. Flute and a calm 2 minutes in. A fuller sound before 3 minutes as intricate sounds come and go. This song continues to evolve and change beautifully. Vocals are back after 4 1/2 minutes. Guitar a minute later and a great sound 6 1/2 minutes in. Check out the vocal melodies, and then it sounds like Elton on the piano after 7 minutes. Nice bass follows then vocals 8 minutes in as guitar rips it up. Love that section ! The song stops abruptly and returns softly with flute and a spacey vibe. Piano, bass and acoustic guitar ends it.

"Les Saigneurs" opens with some acoustic guitar and laughing in the background. The tempo picks up. Heavy drums and vocal melodies 1 1/2 minutes in. The multi-vocal melodies are almost Zeuhl-like. Flute joins in. Great sound. Piano joins in. Vocals 5 minutes in as they trade off with the drums. The vocals sound amazing 7 minutes in to end it. "Le Bal" opens with vocals and acoustic guitar. It sounds like harpsichord before a minute. Check out the vocal melodies followed by guitar after 2 1/2 minutes. Flute 3 minutes in as piano and bass are added. Synths 4 1/2 minutes in as vocals continue. Bass and piano join in late. "Contre Courant" opens with strange sounds. Vocals follow with piano. Flute and a great melody full of incredible sounds is next. The wind is blowing as vocals along with piano and drums play on. Organ 2 1/2 minutes in with piano, drums and synths sounds amazing.

Highly recommended. Greg Walker really praised this one up a couple of times to me. Now I know why.