SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIÈME SAISON

Why this is labeled Symphonic Prog on this site is beyond me. If ever there was a group that deserved the Folk Prog label, it is this band, and I would humbly suggest that the designation be changed. So Symph fans, you have been warned. This is Prog Folk, without a doubt, with the emphasis on the Folk.

Having said that, this is a beautiful and stunning album. The complete lack of percussion should have probably tipped off people looking for a Symphonic masterpiece, but as Sean Trane says, you won't miss it. The best of this album is the two long pieces, both of which feature lovely acoustic playing accompanied by flutes and mellotrons. All of this is excellently done. These two tracks make the album worth owning for me. But don't expect a typical prog epic. Think the mellower parts of the first Crimson or Genesis Nursery Cryme. This is also not a complex show off of instrumental ability. What it IS, is one of the most stunningly beautiful albums I've ever heard. At least the two long tracks.

As to the other 3 tracks, they are more in the standard folk rock (or just plain folk) vein. To my ears anyway. The best is probably the first song, which has a pretty upbeat tempo and more rock and roll atmosphere. Dixie, is very much a bouncy folk tune, and my least favorite of the tracks here, though still entertaining at least. En Pleine Face is a pretty song, but I can never recall how it sounds after hearing it. Histoires Sans Paroles gives the album 4 stars all by itself, a fantastic and beautiful instrumental piece with some lovely wordless vocal harmonies, stellar flute playing and wonderful mellotron. Depuis L'Automne, while not as stellar, has many of the same qualities, but features vocals (with actual lyrics) more prominently.

All in all, a great album but not quite a masterpiece for me. Again, don't expect Symphonic prog. Expect Folk Prog, and you will not be disappointed. A solid 4 stars.