ODYSSEE

An obscure and unknown album from the French progressive scene remaining unknown. There are typical French elements such as dramatic vocals, enigmatic use of keyboards, and occasional vocals. Overall, slight lack of progression and compositional skills prevents this album from being exceptional although it remains original.

The first energetic guitar-driven instrumental is promising. "Le Chant d'Orphee" is one of the few sung songs but it does not save the song from being average with only guitar.

Symphonic mood is entered in "Novembre" with repetitive guitar and synth loops but guitar is similar to King Crimson 70's era and then there are more Rock Progressivo Italiano moments with keyboards. Drums and bass also show decent robustness to support challenging guitar. "25 anniversaire" continues in the dark KC mood with Canterbury-inspired busy rhythm.

"Artcane 1" is the longest truck but not surprisingly, also the most repetitive one. It presents an ambitious band with decent playing abilities but enough music ideas to be incorporated into 16 minutes. Synths conjure a mellow but very serious mood turning into a synth loops. After the 5th minute, the music changes to typical French symphonic prog a la Pulsar to shift into dark acoustic moment. Then the album duet between guitar and drums takes over peaking just before the end with furious fusion drumming pattern joined by solid keyboard virtuoso notes.

"Nostalgie" is a suitable haunting end to this uneven but varied album. Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.