Un Autre Decembre came out on CD in 2003 originally, on a Fat Cat subsidiary label I didn’t even know existed (130701 Records, so nondescript!), and now it’s bbbbbBACK at it on Minority Recs in a numbered edition of 250 smoky-clear vinyl copies. The years have been kind to Decembre. Such a minimalist masterwork could only be kept under wraps for so long, Sylvain Chauveau showing the tape-slingin’ set how to mesmerize the mind with mist and subtle manipulations of the mean theme which, for the most part, is a set of haunting, achingly slow piano comps that echo through the ages like a love that never existed (that’s for you Simpsons fans, I guess?). Beata Hlavenková also released a great piano-based album on Minority, an album I neglected to review (honestly by the time I picked it up it was already too late by a year, crazy) but which has stuck with me like a prime John Fahey exercise in that its distinctness, which is its biggest drawback, also is its biggest plus. I feel like Chauveau’s work is a little more up my alley, traditionally speaking, however. It’s got a skittering electronic underbelly that reminds me of Audio Ovni (continue to ignore them at your peril), all while coming through with the aforementioned solo piano exhibitions that stand just fine on their own (though, you know, variety never hurts). When you add it all up you have another victory for Minority Records, one of my favorite vinyl yarns through the years, responsible for legendary releases like that Stephan Mathieu triple LP and, while I’m on the subject, a couple of incredible projects from Tomáš Dvořák (not to mention that DVA LP and, damn, outta time!). I know they’re overseas but you’ve got to seek their product out; pressure your favorite distros if you have to. I’ll wait.
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