DANS QUEL ETAT J'ERRE

This was Emmanuel Booz's last studio album released in 1979. It really comes across to me as being paint-by-numbers Prog. Maybe if this was 1973 although it just doesn't feel authentic if you know what I mean. Lots of synths and violins here.The other negatives are the French theatrical vocals as well as the "loud" mix of this recording.Too much treble especially on the first tune.

"L'ode Aux Rats" opens with the sound of a toilet flushing. I know I feel better. I'm reminded of AREA briefly with the instrumental work that follows then it settles in around a minute.Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in and he's yelling the words basically.This is uptempo and loud.Violin and spoken words before 5 1/2 minutes. It's noisy and busy.Violin solo follows then synths take the lead. Vocals are back after 11 1/2 minutes. A breaking glass ends this side long suite.

"La Symphonie Catastropque" kicks in quickly. Some fairly heavy guitar early then we get vocals before 1 1/2 minutes as it settles with synths.Vocals get theatrical.The guitar after 4 1/2 minutes is great as it goes on for a minute. Synths then take over. It settles back 7 minutes in with guitar and vocals.These last 3 minutes are the best part of the album for me. "Armoire Et Persil" has this fusion vibe early with lots of synths.Theatrical vocals join in. Nice guitar before 3 1/2 minutes.

A good album no doubt but not one I enjoy a lot.