Lots of fun! - A review of Les Trois Accords' Beaucoup de plaisir

The sixth studio album by French Canadian alternative rock band Les Trois Accords is entitled Beaucoup de plaisir which translates to Lots of fun and this is exactly what you will get from this addictive, creative and entertaining record that marks a proper return to form after the unspectacular Joie d'être gai and the unbalanced J'aime ta grand-mère. The record can't rival with the group's greatest output Dans mon corps but is on the same level as the group's first two releases Gros mammouth album turbo and Grand champion international de course.

One thing that is remarkable about this release is the diversified, dynamic and inspired percussive work. This already stands out in the opening title track ''Beaucoup de plaisir'', a simplistic alternative rock track that invites you to dance and that could indeed be played at a party with friends. ''Corinne'' goes one step further and has even more danceable rhythms and warm melodies as even the lyrics deal with a protagonist on a quest for dancing with his love interest. ''Ouvre tes yeux Simon!'' completes the trio of danceable alternative rock songs and is one of the band's most personal songs as the lyrics deal with the fact that singer and guitarist Simon Proulx often closes his eyes during performances and imagines what he would experience if he changed his habits.

Beaucoup de plaisir is the band's most rhythmic but also mellowest release thus far and that's why it was a brilliant idea to put a more engaging track right in the middle. This song is dedicated to another woman but offers quite poetic lyrics that are open to some interpretation. ''Rebecca'' is a melodic punk rock song that should work particularly well in concert.

Even though the record loses some momentum in its second half, there are still a few unique songs to be found here and there. ''Bactérie #1'' is a calm pop ballad that seems to encourage a person to make its wildest dreams come true until you realize that it actually talks about a particularly aggressive type of bacteria. ''Albino trois-quarts'' is musical slapstick comedy and talks about a man who is interested in a girl and doesn't know how to tell her about his albinism that though only affects three quarters of his body.

Beaucoup de plaisir is a creative, entertaining and funny alternative record and the best album Les Trois Accors have released in nine years. Escape your everyday life, enjoy this record to the fullest and make sure to see the band live to have even more fun with these eleven great new songs.

Final rating: 80%