CHICKEN POX

Lately, I've been coming across alot of dualist albums from Sébastien Gramond. Meaning dualism in the sense that there have been usually two opposing styles heard in many Gramond albums released around the time 'Chicken Pox' was, this fusion-based album continues this trend. Although neither style is done particularly well here, Sébastien Gramond has compiled some good jam music with both a jazzy and experimental side to dig into.

The first half of 'Chicken Pox' is deeply founded in jazz fusion; Gramond makes the timbres, tones and free form of jazz through the typical energy of rock music. Usually, these tracks feel very loose and improvised, and although it is just Sébastien Gramond himself playing here, all of the instruments are played very well. Be it some nice vintage keyboard work or rapid drum fills, the jazz half of the album is quite good, although it is made not much more than merely functional for its somewhat lacking tact in composition. 'Voluptuous' is thecrown jewel here, being driven by a distorted keyboard jam and great grooves.

The latter part of 'Chicken Pox' may be where the greater interest lies however. Even as a fairly versed music listener, it is fairly difficult to categorize the final track on the album, which outweighs all others combined in length. A twenty five minute exercise in freak folk soundscaping, violins, acoustic guitars, recorders and latent drum accentuations seem to play independently of each other, but keeping in a similar time so that it doesn't feel like a total mess. Although incredibly lacking in cohesion as a composition and a bit difficult to listen through the entire thing, 'In Through The Misty Way' shows a side of Sébastien Gramond's work that I haven't been exposed to before.

A messy piece of work, but it has been a worthy experience even for the fact alone that I have heard a new sound from Gramond that he had not yet dabbled with at this point.