JESUS L'AVENTURIER

When I was first approached by Jack Dupon and asked if I would like to review this album I made the incorrect assumption that Jack was a person, when in fact this is a quartet who have been around since 2004 and this is their fourth studio album. Their website is full of information (and thankfully is also available in English as I have forgotten pretty much all of the French I learned at school), and it is interesting to see how they describe themselves:- "There's no need to search for JACK DUPON in the civil registration, because this legendary character doesn't exist! We're talking of a French band here, made of four crazy people, phlegmatic adventurers of the imaginary. Improvisers and storytellers. Polite and rude. Full of oppositions, contradictions? In one Word : Alive. Their music is like their existences: out of styles and boundaries".

The gatefold digipak comes with a poster, and when it is opened up one of the things one can see is are the details of all of the people that this album is about. That's because the album is about the great adventure. Special adventures like Ulysse, small stories like Mata Hari or Laïka, criminal stories like that of Raymond Callemin... One musical walk with the stories of many strange people. The first time I played this album I really didn't like it, and in fact I was relieved when it finally finished as this is RIO/avant-garde that makes Art Zoyd, Zappa, Beefheart, Can and Gong seem quite normal and mainstream in comparison. But, I am no quitter so went back and played it again, and again, and the weird thing was that each time I played it the less it became a chore, and the more I found that it was making some sort of strange musical sense.

This is not music for the faint-hearted, and the vast majority who come across this will run away screaming. But, if you are of an adventurous nature and are willing to put in the effort then I promise that there are hidden delights that only make themselves known when one has listened to this many times. When I first played this I thought that the fault had to be with my own preconceived ideas as opposed to the band, and I am truly glad that I persevered as this is quite some piece of work. www.jack-dupon-rock-progressif.net

French band JACK DUPON was formed a few years after the millennium, and was ready with their first album in 2006. Since then they have been an active live and recording unit, with many concerts under their belts and some relatively prestigious ones at that too. A double live album and a grand total of four studio albums have been crafted by this quartet by now, and "Jesus l'Aventurier" from 2013 is the most recent of these, as usual released through Musea Records.

Jack Dupon describes themselves as followers of music made in the spirit of RIO and an overall avant-garde approach. They have performed at the Zappanale for a reason, and one might toss in some Gong and King Crimson while at it I guess. Jack Dupon is arguably less predictable however, and undeniably more zany and wacky in their exploits. A band and an album for those who enjoy high quality music that arguably may be described as less conventional and predictable than the artists first mentioned in this conclusion.

Once in a while new Avant Prog/RIO/Zeuhl bands appear. The French Jack Dupon is one of them. For you to understand just a bit, Avant Prog is a sub-genre that refers to bands and artists that are highly experimental. RIO (or Rock In Opposition) was in fact a movement and a festival organized in 1978. Zeuhl is a term invented by Christian Vander, drummer and leader from the French band Magma.

This small explanation is just for you to understand that Jack Dupon is experimental and weird. Founded in France circa 2004 Jack Dupon has in its current line-up Arnaud M'Doihoma (bass and vocals), Gregory Pozzoli (guitars and vocals), Thomas Larsen (drums, percussion and vocals) and Philippe Prebet (guitars and vocals).

Jésus L'Aventurier (2013) was released by Musea Records in March and is a concept album. The brilliantly packaged digipack CD (that includes a 14" x 19" poster) tells a story of a famous character. Just look at the names of the tracks to understand.

My first thought as Jésus L'Aventurier (2013) starts to spin is: weird as [%*!#]ing hell! Every main track on the album has a kind of intro. So we start with 'Margaretha' and 'Ulysse'. As soon as they start you can feel the big Avant Garde approach. I can honestly say that their compatriots, Magma, are a big influence. A big thing in Jésus L'Aventurier (2013), and you can notice right in the beginning, are the vocals, loads of them. Everybody in the band sings. Oh, and did I mention that this is weird as [%*!#]ing hell?

The second set comes with 'Bryhild' and 'Raymond'. This second set doesn't make things easier to the unsuspecting listener. With 'Bryhild' it's certain that the band want to make you troubled with their music. 'Raymond' on the other hand is an amazing piece of music. It's complex but with a lifeline for you to hold on to. It also has great riffs and vocals. Probably the best track on the album.

One more set, now with 'Grigori' and 'Butch'. While the first is a continuous guitar riff the second is based on repeating chord sequences to infinity. To be honest, they're like hammers in the ears.

Next set of songs has 'Alexandra' and 'Modestine'. 'Alexandra' has nothing to do with nothing. I found it a bit nonsense to have this track on the album. But I have the impression that this is exactly what the band wanted. 'Modestine' is the longest track on the album, with a bit more than 16 minutes. This track is soaked with doubled guitar riffs, great vocals and on top of everything, a great bass playing. Arnaud M'Doihoma is a fantastic bass player. Another great track.

To finish the album two short tracks instead of one short and one long. 'Laîka' is how Jack Dupon plays the Jazz, which means that it is a weird Jazz. Also a kind of satire. 'Jack' closes the album with a no ending circle of voices that is soon followed by great guitars and bass. Fast track.

Jésus L'Aventurier (2013) is Avant Prog in its max. Every little detail here is unusual. Especially in the riffs department. Many times you'll find each instrument playing a completely different part. But, instead of just freak the audience away Jack Dupon also did a great work in holding them to the record. Also, it is good to hear Jack Dupon using French instead of English, this gives them some character.

Resuming, it's a great record.

(Originally posted on progshine.net)