NEW LINES

Machiavel is at the peak of its popularity in Belgium. They have received a gold disc for both "Mechanical" and "Urban Games". They have played in the largest concert halls (Cirque Royal and Forest National) for the respective "Mechanical" and "Urban" tours.

This album marks their evolution OFF the progressive genre and is more rock oriented; even hard at times. FYI, Marc is an absolute Led Zep fan and the first band he formed with Roland was called "Mobby Dick"...Hence the harder sound of some of the songs featured here.

"New Lines" will be a gold disc as well and they will play Forest for the second time. The commercial success of their single "Fly" is huge in Belgium. The fans still love this song very much. Even today, the band plays it an average of two to even three times during concerts.

So yes, while other famous bands went pop, AOR or disco Machiavel went rock and reggae. You'll have to judge which is the worst. Of course, several numbers here are very weak : "Relax" being absolutely awful. Several other songs will mix reaggae flavours with rock like "Lying World" and it sounds OK to my ears. "Memories" is average. It seems that Machiavel is willing to reproduce a hit a la "Police" ("Roxane", "Can't Stand Losing You" etc.). I can't really say that they succeeded..."A Life" is another of these ones but by this time, it is hard to stand, just like "So Clear" (although the rhythm is more upbeat, almost new wave).

"Playboy" is a simple rock song, not great but not bad either while "Fade Away" closes the album in a soft manner (a la Lou Reed - Berlin mood).

My fave are "Fly" of course, "Champagne in Amsterdam" (again a pleasant mix of rock / reggae), "Turn Off" (a very good rock number with a great beat and a solid part of their live sets) but I guess that it is not enough to make a good album.

Two stars.

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