A little while back, we posted a stream of this EP by French band Avant-Propos. They are a very talented group who list their main influences as Misanthrope, Opeth, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Sigh. As I mentioned then, I can certainly hear all of these fairly disparate bands when I listen to Gargantua. and after spending more time with it I felt as if the album deserved a little more attention.
The appropriately-titled "A Delightful Sense of the Absurd" kicks things off in the Sigh territory: almost dancy keyboard and synths, chugging guitars, and just a general sense for keeping things over the top. It's a...well...delightful way to kick off these four songs, which actually contain nearly 30 minutes of music. As it carries on, we are treated to a variety of vocal approaches, from a deeper register that reminded me of Bleeding Through, to some higher register shrieks. Throughout the guitars really shine with several fun little riffs and a few solos building to a pretty epic closer.
This transitions nicely into the 2 part "Threshold of Death." I can't get enough of that tapping guitar hook and deathcore vocals in the intro. Part 1 may very well be the heaviest track on the album, but Avant-Propos are never satisfied to rely solely on intensity. Around halfway through we are treated to a spacey interlude that morphs into progressive metal chords that reminded me a bit of Enslaved. Even later there's even a bit of what I think is an accordian. Whether sporting bells to fill out the heavier portions or throwing in these types of curveballs when things get quiet, Gargantua expertly wields a wild mixture of sounds.
After the awesome, bouncy Opethish riff finishes out Part 2, things pick up once more for "Ne Mot Dire." More loopy, almost goofy synth work of note here that always manages to crank up the intrigue for me rather than putting me off. In addition to the guitars continuing their reign of ever-changing genre swapping and sheer speed, the drums kill it as well. Before the final organ notes signal the conclusion of this progressive metal circus, the skins are pounded into oblivion.
So while it took me a few listens to truly appreciate all of the many elements at play on Gargantua, it was worth the effort. The unique sound and killer musicianship was enough to pull me in, but the ear for overall composition is what keeps me coming back. I anticipate seeing these guys end up in higher places soon on a label like Avantgarde Music or perhaps even Season of Mist, so strike while the iron is hot and get this album for the price of your choosing before that happens.