Jolly Trouble

GaBL are back and the great big joyful mess which accompanies the group will leave no-one indifferent. This is a full-on first contact, a total break with the context and almost fascinating - a perfect summary in fact of this absolutely whacked-out new analog pop opus full of the live energy which characterizes the trio onstage. JoLLy TrouBLe is more or less a translation of the French phrase un beau bordel and moves on further from the collage, DIY or chaotic rock style GaBL have been known for in recent years. Following MuRDeD (2013), Galle, Mathieu, and Thomas are back with music which is superbly thought-out, composed, produced and interpreted. These songs have a strong identity which makes them recognizable at first listen but their prime quality is to systematically throw listeners off balance. It's inventive and personal music which only groups of Gabl's calibre can produce. GaBL also have the advantage of knowing how to put themselves in danger and also of knowing the best people to work with, as around a dozen friends - musicians, backing singers, technicians - were invited to exchange, suggest and talk out ideas for the record. JoLLy TRouBLe is the type of work which is full of humility while remaining both complex and ambitious. Rock, folk, song, jazz and of course electronic glitch or analog, even experimental music, JoLLy TRouBLe is all of these at once. Of course, let's not forget the term alien when talking about GaBL's way of composing and interpreting these highly varied but coherent songs. There are thirteen songs whose subtle arrangements (clarinet, saxophone, flute, marimba, trumpet, machines and synthesizers plus all sorts of backing vocals) nonetheless highlight the combo's immediately attractive side and vocal talents. Here GaBL are equally at home with sunny, benevolent pop (On Purpose and the first single Tropicool) as with bursts of noise (How Long), psychedelic slow burns (Porti), punk riffing (Marvoof) or faux ballads which are crazed but still really touching (Youngsters, Thinging). Yes, JoLLy TRouBLe really is a truly beautiful mess, a truly beautiful record by a truly beautiful group enhanced by a truly beautiful gang of friends. The type of record you don't hear every day. Artwork by Angela Dalinger.