ÂMES VAGABONDES

A French band from Grenoble, which started in 1995 with some huge musical ambitions, caught in the 2000 live ''Par Dela Les Legendes'', a Rock Opera performed in front of a 4000 people audience.Ex-Vagus recorded the 3-track demo ''Cite Globale'' in 2002 and the fame of the band eventually surpassed the French boundaries.Another Rock Opera followed in 2004, ''Seconde Lumiere'', and Ex-Vagus performed in some of the greatest Prog concerts abroad, even supporting groups such as Barclay James Harvest, Focus and Ange.In 2006 they signed with Galileo Records to release ''Ames vagabondes'' with the guest appearance of Ange's Christian Decamps in one track.

The quintet of Thierry Lesaffre (drums), Eric Vedovati (lead vocals), Dominique Barboyon (keyboards), Loïc Consolin (bass) and Xavier Le Loupp (guitar) offered a theatrical, bombastic and atmospheric Neo/Symphonic/Progressive Rock album with straight references to French beasts ANGE and ATOLL, which at moments gets extremely lyrical and cinematic.Like changing scripts, the music ranges from emotional and sensitive to powerful and passionate, not unlike their influences, and is based on long atmospheric synth passages and warm guitar moves.In fact Ex-Vagus themselves claimed to be part of the so-called Neo Progressive Rock scene and their style is extremely close to French-sung contemporary bands such as MAGNESIS, GALAAD or QUADRA.I can even hear some PINK FLOYD vibe on the guitar solos.The tracks are mostly long with interesting arrangements and plenty of shifting moods with a gifted and expressive vocalist being all over the place.My only complaint comes from the constant and heavy use of vocals, which are nice, still it results in limited room for instrumental parts.

Atmospheric and theatrical contemporary Progressive Rock with a nice lyrical approach.If you are a fan of any of the aforementioned groups ''Ames vagabondes'' is sure to become a very pleasant experience for your ears.Recommended.