REVIEW - BODH'AKTAN "Au Diable les remords" Musicor / Go-Musique MQMCD-2429 (2011)

BODH'AKTAN "Au Diable les remords" Musicor / Go-Musique MQMCD-2429 (2011)
Release date: 2011
Running time: 44:13, 12 tracks

“Au diable les remords” is the debut album by Bodh’aktan a Canadian band from Quebec. Some European fans had the opportunity to see them live last year during their European tour with The Moorings.

What can be said about their music? Six guys  playing guitars, fiddle, accordion, tin whistle, bouzouki, mandolin, bass and drums singing in French. Their music is clearly based on the traditional music from their home (a blend of French, Scottish and Irish music) and they add their own rock and/or punk twist. Not only comes the music from the tradition, but the subjects of the lyrics are “traditional” too. Most of the tracks are written by the band members (Alexandre Richard, Rob Langlois and Alain Barriault) or by their mate Keven Landry. But the topics come straight from traditional folk music: chants de marins (sea shanties),  the joy of living (booze, good food and women) and mythical creatures (lutins, sort of leprechauns).

From the first number “Les trois capitaines” to the the last track “Par chez nous”, there is plenty of amazing songs. Just check the video for the opening track: a catchy Celtic rock song with great chorus featuring a good tune at the end.

The second song is a “classic” French/Breton Celtic rock number: “Du rhum, des femmes” and amazing song by Soldat Louis. Bodh’aktan has updated the song,  added accordion and an excellent rhythm section and featured a trad. tune at the end.

“Les dames du large” is a song about mermaids. It has a Dreadnoughts beginning and good fiddling and electric guitar work.

“À boire” is a classic rock number to sing along. The next track is the kind of number that should be included in any Celtic rock/punk album: a medley of tunes (three tunes, one of them is “Sporting Paddy” ).

“La Bonne journée” is influenced by The Pogues, The Men They Couldn’t Hang and Dropkick Murphys.

The other “single” of the album is “La Ballade de Jonathan Lewis”. A ballad featuring female vocals by Marie Mai.

And their rendition of the traditional song “Passant par Paris” is so good that I hope that they will cover “Les filles des forges” on their next album.

No, Bodh’aktan are not a Corrigan Fest copycat band, but they are so interesting as them. In fact, I would say that Bodh’aktan have taken the spirit from the likes of La Bottine Souriante (Quebec) and Mes Souliers Sont Rouges (Normandy) and pushed it forward. Just remember, Canadian bands are always a safe bet.


Tracklist:

01. Les 3 Capitaines 3:20
02. Du rhum, des femmes 2:33   
03. Commençons la semaine 3:18   
04. Les dames du large 3:05
05. À boire 3:34
06. Le medley du mal de pieds 3:22   
07. La bonne journée 4:10
08. Contre vents et marées 2:43
09. La ballade de Jonathan Lewis 3:46   
10. Passant par Paris 3:41
11. La grange aux lutins 3:54
12. Par chez nous 2:27

http://www.bodhaktan.com
http://www.facebook.com/bodhaktan?sk=info
http://www.myspace.com/bodhaktan


Click to buy:

http://www.bodhaktan.com/boutique.php
http://www.archambault.ca/au-diable-les-remords-ACH002885649-fr-pr
http://musique.fnac.com/a3803307/Bodh-Aktan-Au-diable-les-remords-CD-album
http://www.emp-online.es/bin/shop.php?prog=shop&funktion=PRODUCTINFO&article=217603
http://www.musicme.com/Bodh%27aktan/albums/Au-Diable-Les-Remords-3770000111675.html (mp3)

Review by Kinksmarkham