Review: Jack Dupon - Jésus L'Aventurier (2013)

Artist: Jack Dupon
Album: Jésus L'Aventurier
Year: 2013
Label: Musea Records/TMG Records

Review: Diego Camargo

Rate: 

Thoughts: Once in a while new Avant Prog/RIO/Zeuhl bands appear. The French Jack Dupon is one of them.
For you to understand just a bit, Avant Prog is a sub-genre that refers to bands and artists that are highly experimental.
RIO (or Rock In Opposition) was in fact a movement and a festival organized in 1978.
Zeuhl is a term invented by Christian Vander, drummer and leader from the French band Magma.

This small explanation is just for you to understand that Jack Dupon is experimental and weird. Founded in France circa 2004 Jack Dupon has in its current line-up Arnaud M'Doihoma (bass and vocals), Gregory Pozzoli (guitars and vocals), Thomas Larsen (drums, percussion and vocals) and Philippe Prebet (guitars and vocals).

Jésus L'Aventurier (2013) was released by TMG Records and Musea Records in March and is a concept album. The brilliantly packaged digipack CD (that includes a 14" x 19" poster) tells a story of a famous character. Just look at the names of the tracks to understand.

My first thought as Jésus L'Aventurier (2013) starts to spin is: weird as fucking hell!
Every main track on the album has a kind of intro. So we start with ‘Margaretha’ and ‘Ulysse’. As soon as they start you can feel the big Avant Garde approach. I can honestly say that their compatriots, Magma, are a big influence.
A big thing in Jésus L'Aventurier (2013), and you can notice right in the beginning, are the vocals, loads of them. Everybody in the band sings. Oh, and did I mention that this is weird as fucking hell?

The second set comes with ‘Bryhild’ and ‘Raymond’. This second set doesn’t make things easier to the unsuspecting listener. With ‘Bryhild’ it’s certain that the band want to make you troubled with their music.
‘Raymond’ on the other hand is an amazing piece of music. It’s complex but with a lifeline for you to hold on to. It also has great riffs and vocals. Probably the best track on the album.

One more set, now with ‘Grigori’ and ‘Butch’. While the first is a continuous guitar riff the second is based on repeating chord sequences to infinity. To be honest, they’re like hammers in the ears.

Next set of songs has ‘Alexandra’ and ‘Modestine’. ‘Alexandra’ has nothing to do with nothing. I found it a bit nonsense to have this track on the album. But I have the impression that this is exactly what the band wanted.
‘Modestine’ is the longest track on the album, with a bit more than 16 minutes. This track is soaked with doubled guitar riffs, great vocals and on top of everything, a great bass playing. Arnaud M'Doihoma is a fantastic bass player. Another great track.

To finish the album two short tracks instead of one short and one long. ‘Laîka’ is how Jack Dupon plays the Jazz, which means that it is a weird Jazz. Also a kind of satire.
‘Jack’ closes the album with a no ending circle of voices that is soon followed by great guitars and bass. Fast track.

Jésus L'Aventurier (2013) is Avant Prog in its max. Every little detail here is unusual. Especially in the riffs department. Many times you’ll find each instrument playing a completely different part.
But, instead of just freak the audience away Jack Dupon also did a great work in holding them to the record.
Also, it is good to hear Jack Dupon using French instead of English, this gives them some character.

Resuming, it’s a great record.

The band was included in our Podcast #21 and you can listen the track 'Ulysse' HERE.