Mark Mulholland’s certainly led an interesting live and enjoyed a varied career, and his output reflects that. No-one could accuse him of making the same album twice or taking a formulaic approach, even if his material hasn’t aways been as exciting as one may hope. Frankétienne, meanwhile, may be virtually unknown here, but is considered one of the foremost literary figures in the Caribbean having thus far enjoyed a career spanning half a century.
‘Chaophonies’ is very much a merging of styles and backgrounds, with Mulholland drawing on a range of ideas and influences to provide backing to Frankétienne’s earthy, passionate spoken word performances.
Frankétienne has one of those voices that sounds salacious whatever he’s talking or singing about, and the pieces here – taken from his poetry collection ‘Rapjazz, Journal d’un Paria’ – showcase this talent in an array of contexts.
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‘Ville Schiziophonique’ builds a dark atmosphere, a snaking guitar twists beneath a thick, phlegmy vocal delivery, burning with desperation. ‘Le Petit Train’ is a more easy-going country tune, but again, Frankétienne brings the all-important flavour.
‘Chaophonies’ is appropriately titled. It’s a culture clash, at once exotic and run-down. By far the most exciting release by Mulholland to have reached my ears, Frankétienne is a revelation and clearly an inspiring collaborator.
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