IL Y A DES JOURS

This is one of those albums that I feel I should really like, and want to really like it but am left unsatisfied after every listen. HELLEBORE were an Avant band out of France and they released this one album back in 1985. Besides the usual instruments we also get sax, clarinet and flute. I do like the way they use the organ to often create some atmosphere as it seems to float or drone. I don't know why but I just feel there's something lacking in this recording and like the other Collaborators here I feel 3 stars is the right rating.

"Introduction Vegetarienne" opens with a vocal lines repeated over and over and there's some experimental sounds in the background. Tough start. He ends up just talking until just before 1 1/2 minutes when a beat and organ takes over. Bass joins in as it builds. It settles before 4 minutes with a beat and organ before a horn and piano also join in. It settles back again around 5 1/2 minutes as picked guitar, piano and cymbals take over. I really like this section. It's building again. Solo piano ends it. "Tetraktys" is laid back to start with organ, cymbals, bass and picked guitar. It does turn fuller with horns and drums joining in. Some whispered words after 3 1/2 minutes. "Artofact" features organ, horn, a beat and bass early on then it kicks into gear before a minute and contrasts will continue between the fuller and more mellow passages. "Film Di Ripratoria" opens with a horn/ drum led melody as piano joins in. Clapping after 2 minutes along with random drum patterns as it turns experimental. Other sounds come and go as well. Back to that earlier sound to end it.

"Warme Wassir Mit Grass" has this excellent drum intro that is quite impressive as experimental sounds join in quickly. It's more intense around 2 minutes, very angular sounding. "Umanak-Marquis De Saint Cricq" is by far the longest track at over 14 minutes. Piano to start as drums join in along with guitar and more. I like this. Suddenly before 3 minutes we get a change as strange and theatrical vocal expressions come and go. They are gruff and the soundscape is avant. Dissonant horns follow as it gets even more insane. A calm 4 1/2 minutes in then drums and guitar take over. Vocal melodies too. A horn and piano take over in this melodic and melancholic section. It picks up around 8 minutes as the guitar and experimental sounds take over. It calms right down before 10 1/2 minutes then picks up again a minute later. It settles again with piano and a horn before kicking in one more time. "Ce Sont Des Choses Qui Arrivent" is the closer and it begins with piano and a horn until a minute in when it turns fuller but then it calms right down with piano, horns and drums. It's experimental 3 minutes in. It continues to settle then kick in. An okay closer.

Lots to like here for sure but I've had a really hard time getting into this one. For fans of Rio/ Avant.