Volapuk's music is substantial, and does not fall prey to the pretensions of many so-called avant-garde combos. This French trio, led by the founder of the progressive rock group
Etron Fou Leloublan, plays compositions that are succinct and well orchestrated. Utilizing percussion, bass clarinet, and cello,
Volapuk's chamber-like music is multi-textural and colorful, dancing along a tightrope between simplicity and complexity. At times the music conjures images of a Middle Eastern bazaar or a gypsy caravan. Other times it would be appropriate as the soundtrack to a suspenseful whodunit. Some more musical reference points might be Larks' Tongues In Aspic-era
King Crimson or the smaller ensemble pieces by
Sun Ra. With
Slang,
Volapuk makes avant-garde music that can be challenging as well as listener-friendly. ~ Jim Powers