LE BATELEUR

I really hesitated in picking up this band's debut back in 2015 considering that they were a duo with both playing keyboards and synths mainly with some guests helping out. Also the biggest issue for me was that this was a download only at first, no physical release. I had a friend get it then I put it on a disc so a cdr. Well I promptly got blown out of the water with what these two guys had created. Yes a Canterbury vibe at times(wordless vocals and distorted organ) but mostly a melancholic album with guest violin and mellotron adding a lot.

"Le Bateleur" is different as the violinist wasn't asked back(haha) but they are now a trio. I shouldn't have been surprised that the newest member mainly plays synths and keyboards like the other two should I? This is a more vibrant record, more energy and depth. That Canterbury vibe is all but gone in my opinion and the bass sounds much better, more upfront(love it). Mellotron is back in black and we get some guest cornet, piano and guitar on a few tracks. This album is infectious to say the least, I imagine them having a blast playing a lot of this stuff. And can I just shout this out right now "Patrick Dufour is wearing an ANEKDOTEN "Gravity" t-shirt!" I want that! I love this band!

"Soufre Et Mercure" open with dark sounds that are joined by a heavy bass line as drums and keyboards are added. Guitar before a minute. It settles with piano but not for long then the cornet solos over top. So much going on. Mellotron before 4 minutes as it settles. Kicks back in to a powerful soundscape. Contrasts continue with those brief relaxed sections coming and going. "Le Bateleur" is more mid paced with spacey synths and mellotron early. Mellotron at 5 1/2 minutes with huge bass lines is what I dream of. Some laughter after 6 minutes and I'm laughing too. This is so good! The guitar rips it up after 10 minutes.

"Arcane Majeur" is the shortest piece at just over 7 minutes. Sounds pulse and beat before it all starts to move after a minute and pick up in tempo with synths over top. How uplifting is this at 2 1/2 minutes. How do they do it? Great sound after 5 minutes as well with the keys over the rhythm section. "Les Cartes Vivantes" is a rich sounding piece that grooves with synths over top. This might be my favourite song on here. The melody after 2 minutes reminds me of an Ibrahim Maalouf tune. Cornet here though and it gets dissonant. The closer "Ombre Terre" features the only trace of Canterbury in my opinion with those distorted keys early on. Huge bass 3 1/2 minutes in and later before 5 minutes shaking the soundscape. Fripp- like guitar just before 6 minutes. Guitar over a very deep sound 7 minutes in.

Different from the debut but you know it's the same band I'd say. I prefer the debut but am in the minority on this. Not much to chose between the two as both are amazing in their own ways. Closer to 4.5 stars.