L'AXE DU FOU - AXIS OF MADNESS

4.5 stars. This is much better than the live FORGAS BAND PHENOMENA album ("Soleil 12") I just reviewed. All the issues that I had with that album have pretty much been addressed here. The violin is much better and the songs are more dynamic. Forgas on drums and Trognon on sax and flute are the veterens here while the other five members are young virtuosos.

"La Clef" opens with keys, bass, horns and some excellent drum work. Violin before a minute followed by horns as they continue to share the spotlight. Guitar with violin after 6 minutes as bass and drums support. Violin and horns follow taking turns soloing.The violin is outstanding. Incredible track. "L'axe Du Fou" opens with piano, bass and drums. Guitar and horns join in. Flute follows then violin. Love the guitar before 2 minutes. Check out the violin, horns and guitar 4 minutes in ! Ripping guitar before 7 minutes. It lightens and settles a minute later. I like the rhythm section after 11 minutes as violin and horns come and go. A good rhythm also before 16 minutes with guitar. Fanatastic tune.

"Double-Sens" opens with some atmosphere with keys as violin comes in. Drums and bass 1 1/2 minutes in with horns over top. Nice. Drums and bass standout 3 1/2 minutes in as horns come and go. It settles with violin after 5 minutes. Horns 6 minutes in then the violin returns. More intense and dissonant after 7 1/2 minutes. Beautiful section after 9 1/2 minutes with keys, bass and drums.The guitar lights it up 11 minutes in. Possibly the best track on here. "La 13eme Lune" has a good beat with keys and guitar. Violin joins in then horns. Flute before 2 minutes. Violin is back. The guitar before 4 minutes sounds great. Violin solo then horns 5 minutes in. Guitar 7 1/2 minutes in to end it.

Highly recommended album. This might get 5 stars from me down the road it's so good.