French TV – A Ghastly State Of Affairs (Cuneiform Rune 519, 2023)
A Ghastly State Of Affairs, the latest offering from French TV, marks a significant milestone in their shining career. It is their 15th album and a departure from their usual self-release tradition. Spearheaded by the visionary bassist and composer Mike Sary, the ensemble sees the return of guitarist Kasumi Yoneda, renowned for his tenure with the Japanese band TEE; alongside keyboardist Patrick Strawser, celebrated for his contributions to the ’90s sensation Volare. Another notable happening is the reunion with the original drummer Fenner Castner, a pivotal figure from French TV’s formative years.
This album highlights French TV’s unparalleled ability to weave intricate arrangements, ignite with blazing solos, and embark on unexpected musical tangents, all while skillfully narrating musical tales sans lyrics. A Ghastly State Of Affairs introduces a masterful mix of progressive rock with symphonic and Canterbury airs; jazz fusion; and Rock-in-Opposition.
As you would expect, French TV’s music teeters between uproarious whimsy and formidable complexity, carving out a niche as one of the United States’ most innovative progrock ensembles. With a discography spanning 14 albums and traversing continents with European and US tours, the band has firmly entrenched itself in the pantheon of progressive music.
One standout gem from the album is the mesmerizing 18-minute suite, “Every Morning I Wake Up and Take My Hat Off to All The Beauty in the World.” Here, French TV artfully blend elements of classic ’70s progressive rock with Canterbury charm, interspersed with jazz-infused interludes, unveiling virtuosic guitar and flute performances.
I didn’t enjoy track 2 much, with its eccentric horns and R.I.O. influence. Instead, I prefer the band’s Canterbury and symphonic side.
Transitioning from the sublime to the whimsical, the album ventures into uncharted territory with tracks like “Drunkard’s Train to Westchester,” where the band introduces stellar violin and keyboard arrangements against a backdrop of unpredictable time signature changes. Similarly, “The Mayor of Ding Dong City” harks back to the golden age of progressive rock while infusing sudden twists that keep listeners on their toes.
A Ghastly State Of Affairs culminates in a cacophony of eccentricity and finely crafted melodic motifs, a testament to French TV’s unwavering commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
French TV emerged as a creative offshoot of the 1980s art-rock outfit, Festung Amerika. Since their debut in 1984, the band has weathered numerous lineup changes, tours, and artistic evolutions under the stewardship of Mike Sary, charting a trajectory that continues to evolve.
The band’s current iteration, solidified over the past four albums, reflects a synergy of talent and vision. With each release, French TV’s sonic palette expands, embracing new collaborators and influences, while staying true to their avant-garde roots.
Musicians: Mike Sary on bass, loops, samples; Katsumi Yoneda on guitars; Patrick Strawser on keyboards; Fenner Castner on: drums; Kenji Imai on flute; Warren Dale on saxophones; and Ludo Fabre on violin.