Label: Not On Label – 356 257 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album Country: France Released: 1986 Genre: Jazz, Rock Style: Avantgarde, Prog Rock, Lounge
An expansive all-genre multi-fusion from mysterious French underground group L’Empire des Sons.
Can’t find much information anywhere about this very short-lived group, apart from the fact they were based in the small city of Saint-Étienne, recorded in the 80’s and only managed to finance and self-release this one self-titled LP.It’s a struggle to believe as they’re clearly accomplished musicians.Through an amalgamation of traditionally French lounge music, ethnic percussion and minimalist avant chamber pop, the group create an immersive dreamlike microcosm.The classical touchstones of minimalism are present, repetitive Reichian / Philip Glass-style percussive patterns interlock with avant-jazz flourishes, instantly recalling that incredible Nyssa Music LP, Midori Takada’s work with Mkwaju Ensemble or Polish percussive giants Osjan.It’s rare to hear such an ambitious and bravely wide-ranging style of music executed with such ease.Monster LP.(NM/NM)
Tracklist A1 Venise A2 Mais Où Est Donc Ornicar ? A3 Antilope A4 Celles De La Haute Mer A5 Opium B1 Voyage Autour De Ma Tête B2 Le Trapéziste B3 Moitié Panthère B4 L'Année De La Comète B5 Quand Nos Pères Étaient Des Poissons
