LE PRINCE CROULE

4.5 stars. There were so many bands from Quebec that I didn't know about until I joined this site. In Ontario here we usually just heard Pop bands from Quebec who sang in English. So yes my mind has been opened to some amazing French bands and albums that were just next door to our province here. And it took a Dane (Bamsen) to introduce me to this particular band and for that I thankyou David ! Man what a discovery this has been for me. This is adventerous, experimental, heavy and very proggy.

"Lever De Prince" has a very interesting soundscape with so much going on. Vocals a minute in. The guitar comes to the fore after 2 1/2 minutes. The vocals are very passionate at times especially to end the song. "Chanson Du Courage" is a relaxed tune with pleasant vocals. It does turn nasty before a minute instrumentally as the vocals stop. That opening sound is back though with vocals after 2 minutes. "Demain La Vie" has some atmosphere to start as the vocals and a beat rise out of it. Some powerful organ follows along with guitar. So good. The tempo picks up but then slows back down before 3 minutes. It settles back again as the intro is reprised with atmosphere but then it builds again. My God ! "Terreur Et Masque" opens with organ and a heavy sound as the vocals join in. The vocals stop as the guitar starts to solo. Nice. The vocals are back before 2 minutes. Piano joins in as the vocals and heaviness continues.

"Le Prince Jardine" features organ and a catchy sound with vocals. Great sound before 2 minutes as we get this instrumental interlude. "Safari" is uptempo and upbeat to start. It slows some and turns heavier before a minute. A guitar solo arrives after 2 minutes followed by a calm. Ripping guitar after 3 1/2 minutes and the drums join in then the organ as they kick some ass. "Ballade Inquiete" is mellow with reserved vocals and gentle guitar. The guitar is replaced by piano as these contrasts continue. "Terreur Et Jouie-Le Prince Croule" is the almost 14 minute closer. It's experimental with theatrical vocals to start but this is replaced by organ, guitar and a beat quickly. Vocals join in too. This is a slow burner. Great sound ! It turns almost dreamy before 3 minutes until before 7 minutes without vocals. They retrun though just after 7 minutes and become passionate before 9 minutes. The song then drifts along with floating organ. Guitar and some nasty organ follows along with some intense vocals. How good is this !

Just a killer album that is very entertaining as well. A must !