RIPAILLE

Motis (aka Emmanuel Tissot) returns with a follow up to the miraculously medieval symphonic rock that characterized the previous 2007 "L'Homme-Loup" with this scintillating effort. While firmly entrenched in the French "chanson" tradition reliving old folk tales and as always, enveloping the mystical words with heady synths, mellifluous mellotrons , electric bouzouki (yes!) and Hammond organ. The drums are handled by the effervescent Tony Carvalho. The subject matter is straightforward adaptations of historical events, everything from Robin Hood, Cardinal Richelieu, Prince of Condé, Brendan King of Ireland and Dagobert King of France to dungeons, blacksmiths and unicorns. Motis adorns each chapter with passionate vocals, theatrical like only the Gauls can ( Hello Christian Decamps!), flushing the aura forever forward into the mind. Motis sings like a whirling dervish at times, frenetic and operatic. While understanding the language certainly helps in one's enjoyment, the music vibrates with unmitigated abandon, alternating soft dreamy passages with robust exhortations complete with some nice heavy organ flurries. Comtois Rends-Toi, Robin Hood, Le Voyage de Brendan, Ripaille, Dagobert and La Licorne are all rippers while Le Forgeron (the blacksmith) and L'Ancien are more subtle and lilting. Finally, L'Envolée is an all-instrumental rampage that really shows off the proggy tendencies succinctly. Whereas L'Homme-Loup was perhaps more diversified, Ripaille proposes a more concise effort that will require repeated listens to heighten its impact.

Kudos to an artist that has managed to carve out an own personal style, like a modern day troubadour, respectful of his cultural heritage and yet progressing musically in an unusually charming package. The quality of the penmanship and its vocal delivery are truly astounding.. French speakers need this in their collection, just start with L'Homme-Loup. 4.5 Raconteurs