EMILE AU JARDIN PATROLOGIQUE

DEBILE MENTHOL released a couple of studio albums in the first half of the 80s and this is their debut. They are from Switzerland and they "sound" like they were influenced by SAMLA MAMMAS MANNA and ETRON FOU LELOUBLAN. And it "sounds" like they influenced MIRIODOR just to give you an idea of their style. A lot of fun, quirky with some lights-out musicianship. A punk drummer and a Stravinsky trained female violinist for example. A large band. I believe there was a core of seven plus many guests. A lot of multi-instrumentalists as well. Vocals are in french and I like them. Especially when he gets theatrical. Clarinet and sax, often dissonant along with the usual instruments.

NIMAL is a band that formed out the ashes of this band and I don't like them as much as these guys. This is such catchy and melodic music within the avant style. It's very consistent and uniform sounding. They're having too much fun and it's catching. I have a top five and while this is 50 minutes long, it includes two bonus tracks adding 5 1/2 minutes of time to the original album. Interesting that one of those bonus tracks is right in the middle at track six. Both fit in nicely mind you, no complaints.

The second tune at 8 minutes is the longest and a top five. After the one minute intro track we immediately get more depth here and a horn honking over top. There is so much going on on this album most of the time. Usually in intricate sounds but it's impressive. Guitar then violin before the horn returns. This continues then a drum solo before 5 minutes then bass comes out of that as it builds quickly. It's more normal sounding to the end. What is normal?

Tracks three and four are really good but the fifth one "Spacio-Cib" makes the top five. This is more serious sounding to begin with as the violin and bass lead. Clarinet then drums as it picks up. It settles back quickly. Some space on this track. Vocals arrive and he's determined after 3 minutes. Violin replaces him a minute later but theatrical vocals are back. Insanity! Some crazy laughter before 6 minutes. Tracks seven and eight make my top five after the bonus song at track six. The first is experimental at first, then deep vocals and a catchy sound take over. The next almost sounds like NEU! at first. Active drumming and some different flavours. The original closer at track 12 is my final top five. It's uptempo with pulsing sounds as the vocals join in. Catchy with great vocals.

Easily 4 stars, and I appreciate it even more than my first go around with it.

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