Jox, France

Joxifications. 1982 FLVM

A nice find from the always surprising FLVM label. Starts off heavily in the French folky bag recalling Troisieme Rive's Banlieues or Manu Lannhuel, but after a few minutes, the mood changes and the music moves into a primarily instrumental direction. In the end, you come away feeling like you've just heard a French Gryphon circa Red Queen to Gryphon Three (sans drums). Just replace the bassoon with an oboe. Other than the last, and short, three minute instrumental, the album does not use drums (a primitive drum machine was applied on the last track, for no purpose it seems). The music is driven by piano, acoustic guitar, Moog and bass guitar, the latter doing its part to keep the music driving forward. Memorable melodies, based on traditional themes, also define this album. 

A gray area reissue exists.

Priority: 3

12/24/09