Volapük – Le Feu De Tigre (France 1995) [Avant-Prog] @192

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One of those typically French or Belgian group evolving on the outer fringes of rock and even prog rock, and clearly fitting in Avant-prog. Generally these groups are at least four or five musos, but here Volapuk chose to evolve as a trio, which I think limits them over a whole album, but certainly if they go beyond this album and on to a second one.
But there are some superb elements that make Volapuk in general, but also this album in particular, endearing to us progheads: the dual sound of the cello along with the bass clarinet give a warm near-orgasmic ambiances, the superb overall musicianship. Some of Mandel’s synths sound (few and far between) could’ve been more appropriate, and his sax playing (unannounced in the credits) is apt. Around the half mark of the album, the music becomes more experimental (atonal or dissonant) and arduous, but the end of the album regains the excitement of of the first track, namely El Sombrero, which is truly the highlight.
Volapuk is close to group in the UZ or Miriodor, but unfortunately, their tiny line-up also limits their sound, therefore being relatively monotonous on the length of the album.
-Sean Trane (ProgArchives)-

01. Le Feu Du Tigre (2:35)
02. We Can (3:48)
03. Coca Cola (3:55)
04. Bach Is Back (4:50)
05. Des Objets De La Plus Grande Importance (3:33)
06. Pil Poil (0:35)
07. La 7e Nuit (5:55)
08. Aimables Innommables (1:20)
09. Meldola (1:38)
10. Catafalque (3:59)
11. A Coin (1:04)
12. Chandelle Verte (3:59)
13. El Sombrero (4:21)
14. C’est La Crise! (1:50)
15. Brooklyn Bridge (1:17)

Michel Mandel: clarinet
Guigou Chenevier: percussion
Guillaume Saurel: violoncello