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7 out of 10
I've been avoiding starting this review for a couple of days now. Not because this is a bad record, because it's not, but more that I'm not sure how to approach reviewing it. Vialka have got me stumped. My frame of reference for this style of music is pretty limited and I hate to fall back on lazy journalism techniques, but the best way I can describe Vialka is like Gogol Bordello meets Battles. There's a hint of Fugazi in there as well. Let me try again. Vialka are a two piece gypsy folk punk band from France. Succès Planétaire International is their sixth album. Their motto for this record was "more rock, less talk." Most bands could do with taking their advice.
The first thing that you hear on Succès Planétaire International is what can only be described as a folk waltz riff being played by a tuba. This is the first thing that confused me. I don't think I've ever heard a tuba being used on record. I guess there's a first time for everything. The next thing that threw me was the drums and guitar. This is where the motto of "more rock, less talk' comes into play. The drummer scatters around her snare drum and hi hat recalling the precise, syncopated style of Battles' John Stainer, whilst the guitar plays a descending riff that wouldn't sound out of place on a Fugazi record. Over the course of six minutes, Vialka twist and turn their way through four different time signatures, numerous stops and starts and at least three different musical styles. As odd as it is to compare a folk band to Battles, it's not that far off the mark. 'Good Riddance' again showcases Vialka's tendency towards intricate rhythms, with both guitar and drums showcasing restrained yet complex riffs, fusing both folk music and math rock seamlessly. Like a cross between Battles and Gogol Bordello.
World music is often seen as a dirty word, a genre with slight returns at best. On Succès Planétaire International, Vialka have proven not only that world music shouldn't always be disregarded, but that you can produce interesting and thought provoking records under its umbrella, without sounding like one of those terrible bands that always get booked for Later With Jools Holland. Just remember: "more rock, less talk."
Listen: www.myspace.com/vialka
Tracklist:
1. Premiers Pas
2. 100% Hello
3. One For The Road
4. Good Riddance
5. Do What Now?
6. Dutar
7. Always Against
8. Hole In The Bucket
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