VOYAGEUR EXTRA-LUCIDE

Francois Breant's second studio album is right on the heels of his debut as he had some time to do his own thing in the late seventies. I was surprised that I much prefer the debut just based on descriptions I've read although Hugues hits the nail on the head with his review of this album, also feeling that while we get some of the same vibe as the debut something is missing, this just isn't as enjoyable. Lots of high pitched synths that I'm not into in and less guitar, no sax this time around either. I was happy to see Klaus Blasquiz and Stella Vander singing on one track but it's my least favourite by far. Lisa Deluxe adds vocals and she's sung on some great albums like RAHMANN's debut, ATOLL's "Tertio", MAGMA's "Udu Wudu" and "Attahk" and many more. So yes this looked promising and I was also glad to read Hugues words stating that this was meant to be a soundtrack for a non-movie as this is what it sounds like to me.

"Poursuite Sur Le Peripherique Nord" features sweeping synths that bring disco to mind unfortunately. Love the bass though as drums beat away. The pulsating keyboards after 1 1/2 minutes sounds better to my ears then a calm with piano and a beat takes over. Lots of keyboard sounds before 3 minutes then those sweeping synths are back. Yikes! "8 Aout, Oh.15, 125-eme Rue" has a relaxed start, very mellow with bass and synths standing out. It does turn louder with synths before a calm with picked guitar, keys, bass and drums takes over. A relaxed tune over all though. I like it. More of that intricate guitar 3 minutes in then synths lead the way after 4 minutes as it stays mellow with bass and a beat.

"L'amour Au Grand Air" opens with piano melodies as those sweeping synths are back from earlier then this strong classical vibe takes over. Not into either. This is like music from a TV show or movie. The violin before 3 minutes is laid back with piano and more. A calm follows them more violin at 5 1/2 minutes which sounds so sad. "Cadence D'eperonnage" is my favourite. I like the multi-vocals to start sounding like mellotron choirs almost. Piano helps out then it turns fuller when the vocals step aside.

"Danse Rituele Talmouse" has bright synths and a bright overall sound with percussion. No Albert Marcouer this time around though. High pitched pulsating synths take over as a beat helps out. More synths as well. I'm not into this, too plastic sounding at times. Those pulsating synths are back after 2 minutes as themes are repeated. "L'eveil De L'acrobate" opens with what I believe is synths and keys as drums, bass and violin join in. There's those sweeping synths again 2 minutes in, at least we have some excellent bass here.

"L'obos Rouille Trouve Dans La Dune" has a beat with keys as it builds. Synths come in over top as the bass arrives as well. Some aggressive guitar but it's very brief. It turns much fuller but that will come and go as synths, keys, bass and a beat continue until the violin makes some noise after 2 1/2 minutes. "Les Funeralles Du Voyeur" is my second favourite song on here. Love the atmosphere that floats along as other sounds start to come and go. Suddenly before 2 1/2 minutes we get sequencers. What!? Electronics as the atmosphere disappears and the violin comes in over top of the sequencers. Cool!

"We Ate The Zoo" ends it with just over two minutes of Blasquiz and Stella Vander doing their best opera impressions. This comes across as a musical which I despise. Shoot me now!

So this album certainly has it's moments but far too few to offer up 4 stars. I'll stick with the debut which I spun this morning and it confirmed to me how much better I like it than the sophomore release. I'm glad Didier Lockwood came back playing violin at least.