MATRICIDE

As someone who likes La Tulipe Noire's previous albums, I was a little surprised(and happy) to see that after seven years they released a new album. And after several listens, I can say that this is really an excellent album. The subject matter, matricide, is not a pleasant one, and I was expecting a dark, gloomy album. Well, that is hardly the case.

The band has a new vocalist, a fine talented singer named Julie Massino. She has a great voice which fits this style of neo prog very well. The musicianship is excellent, with the guitars and keyboards at the forefront. Lots of great hooks here.

So, as good as this album is, why only 4 stars instead of five? Well, for one, all the songs are short, with the longest track coming in at 6:23. I always like to hear a well developed epic mixed in. In addition, a couple of the tracks suddenly fade out just as it seems they are getting going. Also, almost all of the songs are up tempo, so until you get used to the individual tracks, there is a certain sameness about them.

So, overall, this is really a fine album. It just could have been better.