REMOVING

This must be one of the best comeback albums I've ever heard, I'm always a little hesitant in purchasing an album by a band who's golden era was 30 years ago, especially if I really liked their albums. I'm not sure Moving Gelatine Plates needs any introduction around here since so many people thinks so highly of their two first albums. Their third album "Moving" released in 1980, although contained some good material, is often regarded as subpar to the previous ones, but this is not the case with their latest album "Removing" which proves that Didier Thibault, the man (and voice) behind this band has still got it. This line up is completely new but still manages to sound very much like the old MGP, infact they are not trying to bring the 70's sound again, just the old spirit.

So when you're approaching a MGP album, what do you expect it to have? Fuzz bass, clever arrangements played with wind instruments as an integral part of their sound, fun vocals and overall a humoristic and breezy atmosphere. Well, everything seems to be in order then, you have all the ingredients for one more terrific album from this ultra cool band. As much as we all love those 70's albums, this is not trying to be a retro kind of album, but on the other hand succeeds on being a product of its time. The band's style is pretty much intact and you can easily sense they are much more mature now, the compositions are a little more focused and less experimental and adventurous then before, that of course doesn't mean it's less progy, these guys are far from losing their artistic side. The music this time has less canterbury feel (infact you can say it's almost gone) and more jazzy progressive style. There are no freak out outbursts or any crazy ideas, they are not trying to challenge the listener with sudden breaks or all kind of freaky directions, everything is on the spot, so carefully thought out, and immaculately executed, the songwriting is mature and right and the songs contains a huge amount of small details weaved into the melodies, which I think might take a little time to fully notice and appreciate. While their first two albums had a more complex nature, this album, although still maintaining a certain amount of complexity is trying to focus on delivering a good melody or have a cool theme which the band develops. I can't say which side of the band I prefer, but I certainly like both of them.

As I said the songs are not as complex as before but the band knows how to compensate it by a clever use of layers, the wind instruments contribute so much, and colorfully painting the songs with all kinds of warm colors, from filling the songs with a beautiful background to playing the leads or essentially soloing, this is of course achieved with a respectable arsenal of instruments like saxophone, trumpet, violin, flute, piano and cello, in addition to keys, guitars, bass and drums. Needless to say that this band is incapable of delivering anything weak, the high level of creativity is maintained throughout the entire album. But as much as I enjoy their songwriting and arrangements, what truly wins the jackpot here is the playing itself, which is no less than stellar!! every member delivers memorable hooks played with great passion and feel, just check out "Enigme" a jazzy jam featuring a stunning playful trumpet along with some cool guitar playing. "Breakdown" is another highlight, a progy tune which includes all the instruments weaved inside each other with an inspiring interplay, excellent violin work on this one. I won't go into each song because it will take forever, but I think you get the picture.

I hope Mr. Thibault hasen't said his final words yet and will grace us with at least one more album sometime soon, but in the meantime we have this beautiful album to enjoy. He cleverly surrounded himself with an incredible set of musicians and by this managed to outdo himself and deliver a well crafted album full of great sensitivity. Although it's hard to beat the classics this is recommended not only to fans of the band but to newcomers as well. A little more than 4 stars by my book.

MOVING GELATINE PLATES created two essential albums in the early seventies that every fan of adventerous music should own. Bassist Didier Thibault decided to keep that spirit alive with an album in 1980 called "Moving" along with this particular record called "ReMoving" released in 2006. Thank you Sagi for your review here but also for mentioning this album many times over the years. No this isn't of the caliber of the two originals but like "Moving" it's a great listen and a solid 4 stars in my opinion. Didier is the driving force here of course and the only original member but this is a great sounding 7 piece band with cello, trombone, violin, trumpet, sax, flute and the usual "rock" instruments. Guests add oboe, sax, viola and choirs.

"Removing" is the 2 1/2 minute opener that opens with someone starting a vehicle and taking off in it before fuzzed out bass kicks in then drums. It lightens as horns arrive almost pulsating at times. The guitar then solos over top then more horns. It all stops as we hear birds chirping as the vehicle pulls up and the person gets out. This blends into "Like A Flower" a top three song for me. Oboe and bass take over as reserved vocals join in. I like this. Violin arrives when the vocals stop briefly. Keys join the vocals then horns after 1 1/2 minutes as the vocals stop again. More oboe then the guitar replaces the oboe before 2 1/2 minutes. Great sound and this is such a feel good track until the tempo picks up after 3 minutes. Still good though. Themes are repeated.

"Enigme" opens with the sound of a person walking before keys than a full sound take over with cello, bass, drums and more. Soprano sax after a minute then flute a minute later takes the lead. It calms down as the guitar plays in a relaxed manner over top. Horns around 4 1/2 minutes. "Comme Avant" opens with an old record being played static and all before drums, bass, violin and more takes over. This is a happy sounding tune where horns also help out. Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes until the horns return. Not bad but one of my least favourites.

"Breakdown" is another top three. Piano and violin to start before fuzzed out bass takes over but the piano, horns, drums and more join in as the violin plays over top. Soon the piano leads but the violin is back quickly. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes then guitar a minute later as the vocals continue to come and go. "Nico" opens with some humour with someone talking on the phone. Soon the violin and piano lead the way as drums and bass join in. It picks up 2 minutes in then tenor sax arrives. Nice sound here. Guitar replaces the sax before 3 1/2 minutes then the horns replace the guitar before 5 minutes.

"Bellidor" is another one that's not bad but one of my least favs. A classical sound to start with horns and strings but soon it kicks in with a full sound as the violin plays over top. It settles back around 2 minutes with piano, drums, bass and horns as the violin comes and goes. "Waiting For The Rain" is my final top three. Love the melancholy and the intro with the sound of rain and thunder. Quite majestic is God. Keys and atmosphere take over before a minute then this guitar melody is repeated s the sax comes in at 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals follow and I like the lyrics and melancholy. It does pick up though around 2 1/2 minutes, violin too.

"Theo" ends it and it is quite interesting the way the live crowd is mixed in with the instrumental work of course all done with samples in studio for that live affect. An excellent closer overall and I like the humour again here as the pretend concert ends with the singer saying "Thank you, thank you all for coming. MOVING GELATINE PLATES! We hope to see you soon. By the way if some of you could help us put the equipment away? Thank you again" Haha.

It would seem a lot of love and time went into this. I love the samples sprinkled in as well. A really enjoyable listen.