HARMONIUM

This progressive folk album is rhythmic acoustic guitar oriented. The bass often sounds like on the Genesis' "Nursery Cryme" album, especially on the "Fountain of Salmacis" song. Serge Fiori's catchy lead vocals and the backing vocals themselves are excellent, and they are an important aspect of this record: Fiori sings in French with the true Quebecker accent. There are some very good flute parts. There are no drums on this record: only bass drums that are played by Fiori himself. This record is not very progressive: the next albums are much more progressive and elaborated. The keyboards are very rare & discreet: piano and electric piano in one or two bits. All the tracks are at least very good; "Pour un instant" was a major hit in the 70's here in Quebec, and it is still played nowadays. "Harmonium", "Vieilles courroies" and "Musicien parmi tant d'autres" have very impressive lead & backing vocals. "Aujourd'hui, je dis bonjour a la vie" has a beautiful mix of delicate acoustic guitar sounds, birds sounds and kids playing.

Rating: 4.5 stars