LE MYSTÈRE DU GUÉ PUCELLE

The mystery goes on. What ford are ALCO FRISBASS crossing on this occasion? Mind you, they are getting better and better with every new album. Five new tricky songs delivered by this French trio in 2021, intensively Canterbury flavoured again. I would dare to say that Patrick Dufour, Fabrice Chouette and Frédéric Chaput are representing the non plus ultra concerning compositional skills. The tracks are instrumental all the way through, albeit Jean-Luc Payssan is guesting with a little chant contribution plus special guitar stuff. Though overall the music is very keyboard laden, okay, as it is quite usual for such a stylistical weight. Since the very start in 2015 with their eponymously named debut album they are relying on the drum programming. For one or two a deduction at source. But honestly, if you would not know that ... well, it's perfectly arranged, for me there's nothing to complain.

This is provided with some hints reminding me of Partner, Instant Curtain, Argos, and the proggy incarnation of Caravan. The title track Le Mystère Du Gué Pucelle opens the album, that unpredictable flow is immediately impressing. Especially due to the unbelievable keyboard presence. Melancholic Rhodes piano and organ are dueting for some time, swirling synths and symphonic orchestral strings are interfering later, aso aso. Variety and richness at the maximum. They don't repeat themselves here, just take the following Histoire Diffuse. My personal highlight for now, maybe because the flow is a bit space rock infected, tending towards the band Gong or so. Sélénite comes in jazz tinged, where Pulsar initiates with a vivid bass line. This trio is convincing all the way through. Following their 2018 masterpiece 'Le Bataleur' they actually did it again.