Dustman Dilemma - 2018 - On Second Thought

(40:27; L'Etourneur / Baboon Fish)

Track list:
1. On Second Thought 7:09
2. Facing the Dilemma 6:09
3. Resignation 1:32
4. Beyond the Veil 5:58
5. Back and Glad 4:41
6. Definitly Hammered 5:40
7. Foresigh 9:18

Line-up:
Nico - vocals, drums, additional instruments
Pierre - keyboards, additional instruments
Sam - saxophone, clarinet, additional instruments
Virgil - bass
Jocelyn - violin
Bruno - bassoon


Prolusion.
French band Dustman Dilemma has been an active band unit for more than a decade, with three full length albums to their name as of 2024. "On Second Thought" dates back to 2018, is the second full length album by the band, and was released through the French labels L'Etourneur and Baboon Fish.

Analysis.
This is one of those bands that I presume will have left many music writers scratching their heads just a little bit. Not due to the overall styler explored on this album, where I suspect expressions such as jazzrock and avantgarde will have been used by the greater majority, but rather due to have one can describe the landscapes explored beyond those genre descriptions.

The saxophone and various forms of reed instruments have a central role throughout here, and they are used both as more conventional lead instruments as well as to provide more off kilter and unusual sounds and notes. Often in a tight combination with the bass, some manner of keyboards or both of these, and more often than not to create a distinct groove or to establish a firm and dominant foundation of some kind or other.

All the songs here will ebb and flow in some manner or other. We get the combination of slower paced and more atmospheric laden landscapes with more pace filled sequences where a vibrant energy is a more distinct feature. We have minimalist arrangements seguing back and forth or in between more fleshed out and busy constructions. Darker or more melancholic escapades that switch back and forth with more expressive landscapes with a more joyful and uplifting mood as a dominant element. And harmony and melody oriented sequences that alternate with more noise filled surges or tangents is a part of this experience too, alongside compositions that gradually develop various instances and variations of some of these elements in some form or pattern or other.

Compelling grooves and captivating atmospheres combine with challenging and off kilter moods and movements on this album. A creation that has a high degree of progressive spirit and a liberal amount of experimental glee, combined inside of a more appealing variety of an avantgarde context. Challenging music with a captivating and often hypnotic expression if you like, challenging music of the kind that use the carrot as well as the stick to catch the interest of the mule.

Conclusion.
Dustman Dilemma as of 2018 is a band that probably will have a more niche appeal. I do find their blend of captivating elements and challenging features to be rather charming myself, but the ebb and flow between captivating grooves and playful and uplifting surges with challenging and more off kilter detours is music of the kind that will appeal to a more finite and defined audience. If challenging but captivating creations caught somewhere between jazzrock and avantgarde progressive rock sounds like a good thing to you, chances are good that you'll find this album to be rather enjoyable I'd imagine.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, September 2024

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/thedustmandilemma/
https://associationletourneur.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/baboonfishlabel/