ODDITY

Self-taught French multi-instrumentalist and singer, who was born and has grown up in Lyon, influenced initially by The Beatles and later by Pink Floyd, Genesis, Supertramp and Kansas.In 2008 he decided to follow his girlfriend in Amsterdam, giving him the chance to meet with some of his idols, like Steve Hackett at the backstage of the De Boerderij Festival.This discussion there encouraged him to record his first album ''Oddity'', moreover after opening for Hackett in one if his 2010 concerts, it was mainly a collection of old material plus one new song.The album was recorded in four different places worldwide, featuring a huge list of guest musicians, among them Steve Hackett's brother John appears on flute.It came out in 2011 on the French label Vocation.

Basically you can considered ''Oddity'' as the perfect definition of a modern Neo/Xover Prog album, which opens some branches to more symphonic territories, is often flavored by clever Art Pop vibes and at moments comes quite close to the sound of Carducci's heroes PINK FLOYD.But the overall atmosphere, the stylistical variety and the electroacoustic switches come closer to what STEVE HACKETT was producing in late-70's, some sort of pre-Neo Prog fashion with evident hints to the symphonic bands of the 70's and a certain eye to the future.What sets him apart though is the fact he decided to put some effort on long, multi-themed tracks instead of delivering shorter and more accesible pieces.Of course his music is filled with elaborate melodies and cathartic acoustic textures, but there are also lots of bombastic sections, epic atmospheres and symphonic grandieur to be found.Blending PINK FLOYD and IQ would make a pretty accurate result.Carducci's compositions are not outstanding or original, his Prog idols apparently inspired him to more than an average deegree, but his material is well-crafted and perfectly balanced with the old stylings (vintage-sounding organs) meeting modern fashion (synthesizers).Nonetheless the songs are pretty enjoyable with countless twists and variations and a decent prog depth.

A modern version of a young STEVE HACKETT in my opinion.Blend of Symphonic Rock, Neo Prog and Art Rock in equal doses and executed in lovely, long arrangements.Recommended.