Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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This is the very first project of an ex-member ONE SHOT. The band is led by drummer Daniel Jeand'Heur. The music itself, while firmly connected to the classic One Shot sound (a heavy bass, explosive drums, Fender Rhodes, long tracks), also features a horn section.
The result, as you may expect from such a band, is a bridge between the most electric jazz-rock bands and prog. But the real sensation here is the inclusion of occasional vocals that add a modern urban vibe to the whole thing - and that fits perfectly. That guy (whose stage name is "Onan") reminds quite a bit some of George Duke's vocals while with FZ's Mothers of Inventions.

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Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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Their activity and explosion level is as high as ONE SHOT indeed. A new Zeuhlers ÉLÉPHANT TÔK have been founded as a offshoot of ONE SHOT and simultaneously as a followers of MAGMA. Their skillful play and instrumental technique have been verified and confirmed through their first creation "Tôk 1" … such an impact just upon listening to the first track "Mammouth", with weird multi-rhythmic drumming, sharp-edged and precisely proceeded saxophone shipping, and percussive mysterious voices. Purely enjoyable and eccentric are their musical roots.

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Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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Their rhythm essence can be felt complicated but pretty fine to get into basically. The stream of vibes is not only delightful but also addictive, and reminds me just of some hints of a Japanese jazz rock pride DJAMRA … there is not depression but only manic mode or maniac code. No tough nor difficult interpretation is needed via their creation but simply pleasure for Zeuhl scene.

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Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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And yes, let me say they play sensitively and sometimes sensually just like many other French progressive rock combos. Not exaggerated like Perez Prado's Cerezo Rosa but well understood they've hailed from France.

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Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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For me the fourth track "I Don't Look In My Back" is very impressive, quite flooded with eclectic (heavy, jazzy, avanty, and a tad krauty) texture like King Crimson Discipline era … bombastically distorted keyboard bullets, active saxophone athletic figure, perfectly precise drumming (kinda killa) … such a kind of melody line or rhythmic formation could not produce any innovation nor novel soundscape actually I guess, but please let me say it be fine their play is perfect and pleasant. Try without any irregular thought, and you will enjoy this album in a simple manner.

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Elephant Tok - Tok 1 (2016) {Soleil Mutant}

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