AU-DELÀ DU DÉLIRE

A very intelligent album, well crafted and interesting. Evocative vocals and strong songwriting permeate here and although instrumentally the album isn't overly proficient it is certainly sufficient.

Perhaps I am aided by the fact that I don't speak French because I know many have said that the lyrics aren't as intelligent as the vocals may suggest, which is a shame but yet my opinion of the album is unaffected by this. Another common complaint is of the vocals, that they are grating and annoying but I don't see this at all, the vocals are theatrical sure but it fits the music and doesn't feel overblown or out of place.

And talk about ingenuity, there is a strong Crimson influence no doubt, but nevertheless nothing quite sounds like this album, even Ange on other albums doesn't sound like they do here and, as a result, this album feels wholly unique.

I won't say that the album is perfect, the longer spoken word fragments do little for me but the music is interesting, evocative and despite what some reviewers would have you believe, beautiful.

4/5 stars, a strong addition to any music library.