Bodh'aktan "s/t" GOCD1601
Release date: February 19th, 2016
Running time: 36:08, 12 tracks
There are several bands that are stretching the boundaries of the genre and releasing essential albums. They are great musicians and little by little they are following the footsteps of the likes of Fiddler’s Green and headlining the main festivals in Europe. For instance, Paddy and The Rats, Firkin, Happy Ol’ McWeasel and Bodh’aktan.
The Quebecer band’s previous studio albums were ranked no. 4 at our Best of 2012 and no. 3 at our Best of 2013 lists. Last year they issued a full covers album titled “Mixtape (Covers)” in order to whet appetites for their third studio album in French. Or should we say the third "difficult" album?
Former Bodh’aktan’s albums have always included some traditional tunes, French traditional songs, one cover of Breton bands and/or some vocal guests. On Bodh’aktan’s self-titled third album the approach is different, since most of the tracks are originals and only a tune of “La suite de la capitale” is a traditional instrumental. Although the new CD is not a concept album, the front cover (depicting the band’s baggage at an airport) and three of the songs deal with the same subject: touring Europe.
The opening track is called “Grazie Mille”, that is, thank you very much in Italian. The chorus is then in Italian, English, German and French: “Grazie Mille / All my friends/Danke schön/À la prochaine”. The Quebecer band thanks all their European fans for the moments they shared with them. This upbeat number with a Fiddler’s Green twist thanks to the accordion is one of the hottest moments on the album.
The next track is titled “Ici” (“Here”).Once again, moments on Germany, The Netherlands, France and Italy are mentioned. Bodh’aktan have enjoyed their tours in Europe and all the friends they’ve made. But it’s always great to come back home.
“Besoin d’air” (“Need to breath”) is the third track. It’s the first single off “Bodh’aktan”, an amazing punk-rock number with a Ramones vibe. Urban life vs seaside life. Love that tin whistle !!!
Come back to Europe, this time to Teuillac, near Bordeaux. Celti Teuillac is a festival that is held in July and Bodh’aktan played there in 2015. Tin whistle, accordion and fiddle are showcased on this North American roots infused song.
“Longtemps” is a toned down number featuring bagpipes that is followed by a short epic instrumental titled “Interlude (Lourde nuit)”.
Bodh’aktan “open hostilities” again with “Une autre nuit” (“Another Night”), a kick-ass song about a bartender’s life. Musically, the song is the bastard son of the early Mahones and Great Big Sea.
The sound goes harder with “André”, a fast-paced bagpipes punk number with an infectious sing-along chorus and fantastic guitar work.
“Pourtant” (“However) is a ballad written by Bodh’aktan’s friend Keven Landry. Add some drops of Jacques Brel, some bagpipes, electric guitar and a Scorpions attitude and you’ll get “Pourtant”. That’s the magic of the alchemy.
Is it possible a Bodh’aktan album without a set of tunes? Of course not, they are a must have. Enjoy “La suite de la capitale”, another highlight on this CD.
The album is arriving to its end, but there are some surprises to be unveiled. Back to Europe again? Ben non. Let’s go to Lousiana !!! “Samedi soir au fait dodo” is the most festive number on the album, a badass Cajun/zydeco song. The next “Cotton Eyed Joe”? Sure
The last number is a poignant ballad reminiscent of De Dannan from the “Ballroom” era. Well balanced mix of tin whistle, fiddle and accordion, together with a brass section at the end. A true gem.
The album includes an 8 page booklet with all the lyrics to the songs, studio credits, songs credits, acknowledgments and contact info. Original bassist Rob Langlois recorded the album, but he’s left the band and the new bass player is Benoit Claveau, who also co-wrote the lyrics to a couple of songs on this CD (“Longtemps” et “Samedi soir au fait dodo”)
Bodh’aktan have done it again. Yes, the new album is not as perfect as its eldest brothers from 2011 and 2013. But Bodh’aktan have taken some risks instead of repeating a formula, and the final result is quite enjoyable. Another Top 10 album by Montreal’s finest !!!
Release date: February 19th, 2016
Running time: 36:08, 12 tracks
There are several bands that are stretching the boundaries of the genre and releasing essential albums. They are great musicians and little by little they are following the footsteps of the likes of Fiddler’s Green and headlining the main festivals in Europe. For instance, Paddy and The Rats, Firkin, Happy Ol’ McWeasel and Bodh’aktan.
The Quebecer band’s previous studio albums were ranked no. 4 at our Best of 2012 and no. 3 at our Best of 2013 lists. Last year they issued a full covers album titled “Mixtape (Covers)” in order to whet appetites for their third studio album in French. Or should we say the third "difficult" album?
Former Bodh’aktan’s albums have always included some traditional tunes, French traditional songs, one cover of Breton bands and/or some vocal guests. On Bodh’aktan’s self-titled third album the approach is different, since most of the tracks are originals and only a tune of “La suite de la capitale” is a traditional instrumental. Although the new CD is not a concept album, the front cover (depicting the band’s baggage at an airport) and three of the songs deal with the same subject: touring Europe.
The opening track is called “Grazie Mille”, that is, thank you very much in Italian. The chorus is then in Italian, English, German and French: “Grazie Mille / All my friends/Danke schön/À la prochaine”. The Quebecer band thanks all their European fans for the moments they shared with them. This upbeat number with a Fiddler’s Green twist thanks to the accordion is one of the hottest moments on the album.
The next track is titled “Ici” (“Here”).Once again, moments on Germany, The Netherlands, France and Italy are mentioned. Bodh’aktan have enjoyed their tours in Europe and all the friends they’ve made. But it’s always great to come back home.
“Besoin d’air” (“Need to breath”) is the third track. It’s the first single off “Bodh’aktan”, an amazing punk-rock number with a Ramones vibe. Urban life vs seaside life. Love that tin whistle !!!
Come back to Europe, this time to Teuillac, near Bordeaux. Celti Teuillac is a festival that is held in July and Bodh’aktan played there in 2015. Tin whistle, accordion and fiddle are showcased on this North American roots infused song.
“Longtemps” is a toned down number featuring bagpipes that is followed by a short epic instrumental titled “Interlude (Lourde nuit)”.
Bodh’aktan “open hostilities” again with “Une autre nuit” (“Another Night”), a kick-ass song about a bartender’s life. Musically, the song is the bastard son of the early Mahones and Great Big Sea.
The sound goes harder with “André”, a fast-paced bagpipes punk number with an infectious sing-along chorus and fantastic guitar work.
“Pourtant” (“However) is a ballad written by Bodh’aktan’s friend Keven Landry. Add some drops of Jacques Brel, some bagpipes, electric guitar and a Scorpions attitude and you’ll get “Pourtant”. That’s the magic of the alchemy.
Is it possible a Bodh’aktan album without a set of tunes? Of course not, they are a must have. Enjoy “La suite de la capitale”, another highlight on this CD.
The album is arriving to its end, but there are some surprises to be unveiled. Back to Europe again? Ben non. Let’s go to Lousiana !!! “Samedi soir au fait dodo” is the most festive number on the album, a badass Cajun/zydeco song. The next “Cotton Eyed Joe”? Sure
The last number is a poignant ballad reminiscent of De Dannan from the “Ballroom” era. Well balanced mix of tin whistle, fiddle and accordion, together with a brass section at the end. A true gem.
The album includes an 8 page booklet with all the lyrics to the songs, studio credits, songs credits, acknowledgments and contact info. Original bassist Rob Langlois recorded the album, but he’s left the band and the new bass player is Benoit Claveau, who also co-wrote the lyrics to a couple of songs on this CD (“Longtemps” et “Samedi soir au fait dodo”)
Bodh’aktan have done it again. Yes, the new album is not as perfect as its eldest brothers from 2011 and 2013. But Bodh’aktan have taken some risks instead of repeating a formula, and the final result is quite enjoyable. Another Top 10 album by Montreal’s finest !!!
Tracklist:
01 - Grazie Mille 2:53
02 - Ici 3:29
03 - Besoin d'air 2:54
04 - Zimmerman 0 3:29
05 - Longtemps 3:33
06 - Interlude (lourde nuit) 1:14
07 - Une autre nuit 2:44
08 - André 2:11
09 - Pourtant 4:15
10 - La suite de la Capitale 1:28
11 - Samedi soir au fais dodo 3:03
12 - Ça prend par surprise 4:26
St. Patrick's European Dates
2016-03-12 — Luxembourg — Dudelange, Festival Zeltik
2016-03-16 — Italie — Vérone, Officina
2016-03-17 — Italie — Milan, Alcatraz
2016-03-18 — Italie — Rome, Orion
2016-03-19 — Italie — Grosseto, FQA
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Click to buy:
Band's store
Amazon .com
Amazon .de
Amazon .es
Amazon .fr
Amazon .it
iTunes Canada
Review by Kinksmarkham
01 - Grazie Mille 2:53
02 - Ici 3:29
03 - Besoin d'air 2:54
04 - Zimmerman 0 3:29
05 - Longtemps 3:33
06 - Interlude (lourde nuit) 1:14
07 - Une autre nuit 2:44
08 - André 2:11
09 - Pourtant 4:15
10 - La suite de la Capitale 1:28
11 - Samedi soir au fais dodo 3:03
12 - Ça prend par surprise 4:26
St. Patrick's European Dates
2016-03-12 — Luxembourg — Dudelange, Festival Zeltik
2016-03-16 — Italie — Vérone, Officina
2016-03-17 — Italie — Milan, Alcatraz
2016-03-18 — Italie — Rome, Orion
2016-03-19 — Italie — Grosseto, FQA
Website
Click to buy:
Band's store
Amazon .com
Amazon .de
Amazon .es
Amazon .fr
Amazon .it
iTunes Canada
Review by Kinksmarkham
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