LES NOUVELLES TERRES

The title of Octobre`s Les nouvelles terres ( The New Worlds ) was almost replaced by the single word title "Violence" after an introspective song written for the album, but a friend of band leader Pierre Flynn managed to talk him out of it possibly realising the misleading conotations which might ensue as a result of the inital impact of such a strong word. Violence became one of Octobre`s most recognizable songs with it`s upbeat jazz- rock rythmns but did not have anything to do with phyisical abuse but rather probed into the struggles and torments within the subconcious. This and other brooding images from Flynn`s inner sanctum intensified the musical flamboyance displayed on this album, Octobre`s second offering from 1974.

As on the first self titled album Flynn`s bright keyboard colouring and captivating vocals which were renminicient of Belgian folk artist Jacques Brel, combined with his compositional skill give Octobre a driven sound. Fluid dynamics and structure are substituted in favour of relentless showboating which is aptly demonstrated on the instrumental " La passe du grand flambeau " ( The passing of the big torch ) which could easily be mistaken for a more upbeat Gentle Giant piece using counterpoint to great effect.There are suprises everywhere and the album fluctuates between very sombre and very bright moods.

The album opens up with a spooky intro with thunderous organ crashes on the title track " Les nouvelles terres" and this mood is carried on in the second even more ominous sounding piece " Le chant du guerrier " ( The warrior`s chant) which embraces metaphorically the uncertain circumstances of the 19th century North American Indian. The doom and gloom lets up on Quand la nuit se réveille ( when the night awakens ) wihch has an almost Christmas chime to it that paints the picture of the hopes and freedoms of a night on the town which is unequivocally Flynn`s hometown of Montréal. While still only 20 years old at the time all of the of the songs on the album reflect the indecisions, hesitations and ideals of younger people such as himself but the exceptional musicianship definitely belies the ages of the band members and are by leaps and bounds not your run of the mill three chord folk ditties.

Those already familiar with the more popular `70s Québec progressive bands such as Maniége and Harmonium are in for a bit of a suprise here. No acoustics and musically as tight as any band of the prog rock movement in the early seventies with superior vocal power. Unfortunately not released on CD " Les nouvelles terres " definitely worth hunting down in it`s original vinyl form on the internet or in the second hand shops. Once again most of the tracks can also be found on the 1995 copilation CD " Octobre 1973-1989".