Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp
Do you need a pick-me-up that is clever, kind, and unabashedly something so idealistic and non-commercially viable it can only be art? I have something for you: how about a truly collective anarcho-big-band concept album singing about the importance of interconnectivity? How about a utopian art project that sings of the now and suggests other, better possibilities? Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp’s latest record is a mood-elevating sonic boost that also addresses the issues and ills of the now in a satisfying complex blend of genres including punk, afro pop, jazz and beyond. It’s a heady mix. During dark days, follow along on the conga line, flow down the river, let it go and be part of something positive, meaningful, and freeing. Orchestre Tout Puissant are here for us - let’s dance.
This album feels on the pulse for 2025, inviting us to cogitate on how coming together is in all of our best interests. Their 2021 album We’re Ok But We’re Lost Anyway mirrored the strange anxieties of our COVID lock-down moment. This time they are tacking our dangerous fracturing and disconnect from a sense of place within the world ecosystem. They clearly do not shy away from broad topics. “Ventre unique” means single belly or single stomach- cows or ruminants have two- horses and people have one each. Meaning: we all need to start acting like equals whose fate belongs to each other. We are the same in so many ways- that collective actions and behavior matters.
They don’t just talk the talk. The orchestra is made up of 12 plus musicians playing in a frenetic ensemble. This includes lots of percussion, marimba, violoncello, guitar, trombone, bugle, vocals and more. The videos reflect the energy and attentiveness that goes into producing this kind of sound. The beats are infectious, the tunes hummable, with a melancholic urgency, and express the joys of ensemble musicality at every turn. It is rhythmic and tuneful- not discordant but often loud and trumpeting. Like their last record, it is processional- a collective line of movement for all to join. It is my favorite kind of music at the moment, because, while it has a message and verbalizes the ideas strongly- it doesn’t feel preachy or polemic. The music hypnotically draws one in and…. Hearing everyone together you get the idea. The medium IS the message- to borrow the words of Marshall McLuhan. What greater solidarity is there than group rhythmic movement: humming/singing/dancing? An ancient source of endorphins and well-being.
This is a call to action, a set of seriously infectious grooves and a rich listening experience. In short: fun without being frivolous. Lyrics are in French and English. The album is best listened to as a whole- one song may be a gateway but the sensaround cumulative experience is the fullest way to appreciate the album.
This album is on my replay for the year- topical yet joyful.
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