CARICATURES

I have to thank Bonnek for insisting that I check this album out. He knows my taste in music too well. This debut album from ANGE is darker than the ones that follow and less polished, both positives for me. And overall the vocals don't take the spotlight like on later releases. I love this album from start to finish, in fact the only part I don't like is the brief theatrical spoken word section to start one of the songs which is no big deal.

"Biafra 80" is fairly dark with synths.This sounds very cool. It then brightens as these contrasts continue.The guitar sounds great before 2 minutes, organ follows. The tempo keeps switching from slow to fast early on on the next track "Tels Quels".Vocals are passionate here. It kicks in before 2 minutes with some nice guitar. Back to the earlier contrasts as themes are repeated. Great tune. "Dignite" is led by drums and organ early on. It settles with vocals after 2 minutes. A calm with flute after 5 1/2 minutes then it picks back up 8 minutes in with some excellent guitar. Organ follows.

"Le Soir Du Diable" features beautiful acoustic guitar as bass, drums and reserved vocals join in. Keyboards too. Just a gorgeous track. "Caricatures" opens with spoken words only then the music comes in after 2 minutes.This is fairly laid back. It picks up 4 1/2 minutes in then settles a minute later to a solemn mood. It kicks back in before 7 1/2 minutes then settles with keys before 9 minutes. Vocals a minute later. "Biafra 80" ends the album with an experimental and inventive instrumental.

I didn't expect going in to this one that it would end up being my favourite ANGE album.