QUELQUE PART

Just kidding. When you think of three piece progressive bands from Canada of course Rush comes to mind. Sorry Rush fans, these guys blow them out of the water. Granted they aren't really a vocal oriented band though they have had a female guest vocalist on a few tracks on their first Unicorn Records release and this one. Come to think of it Geddy does sing in a high register. Hmm.

These guys are French Canadian so most of the titles here are either in French or a play on French words or something. I don't understand French. I've put what seems to be the English translation for those that appeared to translate online in parenthesis.

Introssimo The opening melody is very similar to Vangelis' Antarctica. But the music is of course much more energetic. One thing about listening to Talisma is you get the sense of being taken on a journey.

Basse de Fou (Low of Insane) Another one of giddy up and go type songs the band does so well. Reminds me of some the things Mr. Bungle used to do. Who say's you can't dance to prog? Of course it would have to be with really insane hectic dance moves.

Ibliss A bit of a dark song with lots of changes and interesting samples worked into the music.

Iseult The first track with vocals, so I'm not entirely sure what guest Florence Belanger is singing, but she has a sweet voice and also contributes piano, though it's not specified on which tracks. A more acoustically oriented track than many here.

Quelque Part (Some Share) Another vocal piece, very haunting opening.

L'Aube (L' Paddle) After the somewhat light break of the last two tracks, things get a little spooky and more intense. Music like a soundtrack not needing a movie to go with it. Ends abruptly then.

Od More heavy and even more intense, frantic, manic, urgent. Music that happens when you take the d off of the end of odd? More likely short for odyssey. Reminds me a lot of the Dixie Dregs song of the same name in many ways. Then there's a weird Eastern European music-sounding ending.

Astromuz Just some intense synthesizing in a compact little track.

Modale (Modal) Why yes, it is and once again a lot of interesting music packed into one little track.

Cassiopeia Interesting relatively peaceful opening and then the song stops. After a moment it kicks into a whole different mood. I hear stuff reminiscent of Gentle Giant! Happy The Man! Another brief break and then final section. Upbeat yet a little wistful.

It's really hard to express in words what there is here to hear in the music. It's one of those albums where a good sit down and listen is richly rewarded. It's the kind of new progressive music that just might make those stuck in the past sit up and take notice.

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