Pokett – Three Free Trees LP

Pokett – Three Free Trees LP

"The 3D glasses are included as a nose pincher. The glasses with their differently colored plastic films aren't needed for the video for "Someone You Know," which is included as an extra on the CD. The three-dimensional effects emerge when looking at the digipak packaging and the booklet. I've never seen anything like it on an album before. Such a gimmick certainly adds variety when viewing the album's accessories.

What matters, however, is the content of a disc, and the French band Pokett opens a musical pocketbook that could have been released in Great Britain or America. Stéphane Garry, the leader of the collective, casts a long lasso toward the sixties and seventies (Fairport Convention, Matthews Southern Comfort) with his songwriting. Pokett's sonic beauty can certainly be compared to the Fleet Foxes.

The ten-track, half-hour mission "Three Free Trees" is a successful concoction of wonderfully relaxed sounds and driving rock, with a successful blend within the songs as well. The opener is a crisp, rocking piece and serves as the perfect door opener for the band. As can be seen in the booklet, Garry lets the trees grow through the roof of the house, and with the electric guitar solo, he also refines the indie department.

The dreamily picked acoustic guitar reaches the ears of the keen listener in the next track with a completely different ambience. The atmosphere is wonderfully playful, and from the background, the electric guitar increasingly creeps out from the chiffon curtain. Clear the stage for another rocker: "Someone You Know" is a favorite because this piece consists of various rhythmic sections. The electric guitar manages to land a brief, but successful, loud escape from the song structure. This track is also available as a video. Here, Pokett lets the puppets dance. Hilarious! You can also watch the moving images for the song on their website.

Is "A Sinking Island" a reference to the rising water levels of the world's oceans? At least it's quite dreamy and beautifully melodic. The bass is clearly audible as a grooving force, and "Make It Last" has a touch of Simon & Garfunkel in it. At least at times, as far as the vocals are concerned. Otherwise, you're treated to some fine acoustic guitar. Garry can be enjoyed solo here.

"Livin' In Here" begins with somewhat threatening electric guitar sounds. But these fade away as the track progresses. They're replaced by trumpet-like and later glockenspiel sounds. If the information sheet mentions Neil Young in this song, in relation to the guitar, it's perfectly fine to include it here. After three and a half minutes, Pokett gives the track a rude kick in the ass and lets it rock out on a loose leash. Hey, I like the French music!

"Three More Chords" is by far the longest song on "Three Free Trees" and a shimmering interplay of electric and acoustic guitars. Vibraphone sounds accompany the scene. Then, incredibly good percussion instruments take over, virtually displacing the six-string. A long drum attack provides a brilliant end to the track and the record.

Pokett's short album "Three Free Trees" is a real joy. With sophisticated arrangements and always a touch of surprise in the songs, the French ensemble won me over."  - Joachim 'Joe' Brookes / Rocktimes