TARENTULE

Sole album from this relatively traditional folk multi-instrumentalist quartet that came rather late in Prog Folk's heyday period, even if France and the Basque were still in full swing, then. Their ultra-traditional approach of pre-medieval folk sounded rather dry for most of the late 70's youths; and outside the truthful renditions of some tracks, there isn't that much for progheads, except maybe in the few odd meters scattered here and there.

Only six tracks, but most of them are medleys of 13 separate songs. "Gigues, rondes et ritournelles de France" would be fitting title for this album, as it is really up the aisles of folk purist, often close to baroque-era music. Only the cornet and accordion make some anachronistic intrusion in the tracks, but I bet most purists wouldn't complain. Each song is commented about its origins and the context it is played in (this is also the case for Malicorne and Asgard and La Bamboche). It's hard to give a highlight because most tracks are equivalent, but if I must give one, it'll be the closing Trimousette, because it stands on its own and is quite expressive, taking on a slightly dramatic tone. Tarentule's album is nothing essential in prog folk and unless you really want to dog deep into the pre-classical folk, you'd better stay clear of this one, although it wouldn't defavce your collection either.