Chimes in the distance, a short drum roll, then \u201cLe cri de la b\u00eate\u201d resounds with brass bursts like in those old-time adventure movies, when some great threat arose. Then \u201cL\u2019Homme vide\u201d recites his lament, transforming two thirds of the way through into a town crier spitting self-denigration. \u201c\u00c9bouriff\u00e9e\u201d is addressed to a grandmother consumed by dementia, while on \u201cSous les n\u00e9ons\u201d, the death of a loved one occurs too soon. A carnal supplication entitled \u201cPetite folle\u201d follows and the EP ends, already, with \u201cJusqu’\u00e0 ce qu’elle danse\u201d, a harsh statement of malaise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These six songs are the work of the Doyon siblings, J\u00e9r\u00e9mie, called \u201c\u00c9li\u201d, takes care of the lyrics, and teams up with his sister Madeleine for the music. \u00c9li sings, plays the banjo and wields the clarinet. Madeleine sings and manages the tenor trombone \u2013 her mastery of the instrument earned her an place in the Oktopus octet and in the Laval and Gatineau symphony orchestras. Matthieu Bourget (bass trombone and double bass), Simon Bourget (horn and tuben), Mathieu Archambault (percussion) and Olivier Amyot-Ladouceur (double bass) complete this sextet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L’aube<\/em>, a convincing first EP also six tracks in length, was released in 2018. In the meantime, \u00c9li Doyon and la Temp\u00eate have refined their brass-based mode of expression. Balkan influences remain, and blend with local folk and trad components. A few dramatic accents \u00e0 la Bernard Hermann (from the dazzling soundtrack to Journey to the Center of the Earth<\/em>, on \u201cL’homme vide\u201d) are added. All things considered, \u00c9li Doyon has Philippe B’s tonality and vocal inflections, as well as the ability to produce admirable Quebecois songs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n