THE WORLD OF GENIUS HANS

After their excellent Canterbury-fueled self-titled debut album, Moving Gelatine Plates re-entered the studios to record their sophomore effort The World Of Genius Hans. First thing that one is likely to notice is its bizarre cover. Seems like an allusion to something? Maybe Trout Mask Replica? Who knows. Didier Thibault, the band's bassist, guitarist, and vocalist recalls: "The genius resides in madness. This is the idea behind that wacky cover with a calf head and parsley in its ears. It was more of a concept album. Then things were working well, because during that year after the release of our debut album we played more concerts and spent more time working together."

The style presented on The World Of Genius Hans could easily be described as a natural development from Moving Gelatine Plates' debut album. And even though one will find differences between these two releases, their second work is quite similar to the first one. Great jazz-fueled passages, numerous jams, catchy themes, choral arrangements, instrumental workouts, funky vocal parts, tongue-in-cheek moments ? these are just some of the elements that contribute to the fantastic musical extract of Moving Gelatine Plates.

The group consists of fantastic, well-trained musicians. Whether it's Maurice Helmlinger's trumpet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, organ, Gérard Bertram's guitars, Didier Thibault's bass and synthesizers or Gérard Pons's drums ? the instruments are handled with great ease and professionalism. The wide plethora of instruments used on The World Of Genius Hans provides a varied and diverse sound.

The original release comprises seven tracks (the CD reissue features five more). The 14-minute title track, "The World Of Genius Hans" highlights all of the previously mentioned characteristic elements of the band. Going through many segments, this is an incredibly pleasing musical journey. "Funny Doll" might have a little bit of a silly title, but since the very first notes, you know it's a masterpiece. It opens with a rapid Mingus-like passage with a funky vocal part in the middle. "Cauchemar" is characterized by great vocal arrangements. "We Were Lovin' Her" has fantastic, dreamy organ parts and is a bit different from all other pieces and has an almost Van Der Graaf Generator-like feel to it. The album closes with "Un Jour?", which features some interesting guitar sounds and great saxophone playing.

In comparison to their previous album, The World Of Genius Hans does not seem to bring anything new other than just the mature upgrade of the band's sound. Nonetheless, this is an incredible Canterbury scene album with a classy style that is by no means less tasteful or ambitious than the one of Soft Machine, Egg or Matching Mole. Personally, I slightly prefer their debut to The World Of Genius Hans, but this is an excellent work regardless. Highly recommended!