I’m both glad and annoyed that I don’t take hallucinogenic drugs. Having recently read Richard Brautigan’s “Trout Fishing in America” and watched Eraserhead, I thought I’d had my bellyful of artistic splendour. Then I gave “On The Roof” by French collective Trunks a good listen. Caffeine is a potent drug in itself, you know.
“Harfiscury” begins the album with a hypnotic bass intro that invites an equally persuasive saxophone riff. Next, we are hit with thunderous beats and a roaring sax on “Screaming Idiots.” Rest assured, this is not background music.
Having said that, “Blue Dot” retreats into jazzy pastures, with Laetitia Shériff playing the role of gently-voiced chanteuse. The song builds into a fully-fledged rock song with Ms Shériff still in fine voice. Later, we are struck by a little funk (“Clever White Youth”), while a little post-Beefheartian avant-garde noise (“Who’s My Favourite?”) is also executed with precision. La variété? C’est bon!
This album from the Rennes-based group is remarkable as much for its strange cohesion as for its musicianship. For an album of strange jazz and artistic noise, it seems oddly accessible. Hopefully it is easily bought, because this is a fine album. Enjoy with black coffee (or possibly herbal tea).
Available on CD and vinyl from the band's website.