MANEIGE

1. "Le Rafiot" (21:22) Any fan of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway's "The Waiting Room" will be loving the opening four minutes to this great side-long epic. After that exhibition of percussion interplay, the band members' classical training really comes out (though there are slight hints of folk and jazz influences). The pianist, Jérôme Langlois, seems to be the leader (Is he using an upright piano?), but the contributions of the bass guitarist, flutist, and tuned percussionist(s) are not insignificant. There are similarities to Dutch band FOCUS' more acoustic-grounded songs, as well as to British proggers, RENAISSANCE, but there is also so much from classical and folk traditions: at times I feel as if I'm hearing a small orchestra's coverage of some obscure AARON COPELAND piece. More technically accomplished than emotionally-appealing, this does deserve high marks for performance and composition. (36/40)

2. "Une Année Sans Fin" (6:39) a kind of cabaret or vaudevile jazz piece that has real suggestions of avant garde/Rock-In -Opposition intentions, this one becomes more melodic and engaging in some of its short-lived motifs used during the second and third minutes. Nice JON CAMP-like electric bass play. I have to admit that I am quite surprised at how central the flutes and xylophones are. (8.75/10)

3. "Jean-Jacques" (4:13) barrel-hall piano that is trying to sound classical, is soon joined by bass, xylophone, drums, and flute. There are classical, folk, and jazz elements used throughout this one. Again, the electric bass has a familiar JON CAMP feel to it while some of the main motifs feel like 21st Century Greek artist, CICCADA. (8.875/10)

4. "Galerie III" (7:50) drums and xylophone open like something orchestra but then woodwind horns give it a whole other texture. A brief section of heavy bass chords in the second minute let you know that this song is not going to be but rather something quite more oriented to the avant-garde stylings becoming explored in England, France, and the Low Countries at this time. There are several extended parts that are more melodic, more mellow, offset by several more heavy-rock parts. An interesting song. Like its title, I think we're catching snapshots of several disparate styles just as one might if you moved from room to room in an art gallery. An odd thing to try to make into a song! (13/15)

Total time 40:04

B/four stars; an excellent debut album of avant and classical-founded music coming from some very well-trained French-Canadian musicians.

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