THE LOST TAPES

Hey, that's quite an experimental export coming out of France, delivering a strong eclectic, maybe even avantgarde approach. Yet I can't name a group that sounds close to them. Here we have a tour de force in supply, you never know where the journey will go. Both poles, enchanting and bizarre. If I had the order to describe what I hear, I mean a certain detailed narrative, eh, that might end in a book consisting of 100 pages at the minimum, for the simple reason that I would get lost in infinity quite likely. Anyway, some clues at least, the chiefly instrumental music lives from constant ebb and flow, wayward turns, alternating melodic as well as dissonant ingredients, and is drawing on a blend of psychedelic, post, and jazz rock influences in general. !GERALD! have toured Germany recently, unfortunately I missed them, too bad. Experiencing a live performance by this band must be a real blast.

'The Lost Tapes', the album title superficially seems to point at a forgotten treasure that was detected in the cellar or on the attic some day. Well, I don't want to rule anything out, but it's very unlikely. More food for thought anyway. They are relatively young chaps, and even today it sounds ahead of time. Music-wise they are telling the story of a fire in the madhouse. And some waterfront rat holes must have been the inspiration for two further tracks. Be it electric or acoustic, classical tinged or jazz fusion drenched, amongst other goodies Marin Michelat's piano moves are striking especially. And the multi-variant drum playing puts the cherry on the cake. But what's the purpose of Mr. Sophistication? Who knows. A fascinating experience. You are interested in that aforementioned book? Never ever! Leave me alone! Get your own impression! 4.5 stars.