NOUVEAUX MONDES

Apparently the complaints about the vocals on their debut led them to employ an array of guest vocalists for this their second album. This is a concept album with the lyrics in French. The music is well done and mostly in that Symphonic style.

"Hubble" is an instrumental that opens with spacey sounds before the music kicks in. Some nice guitar after 4 minutes. "L'Or Des Indes" is melancholic with the keys and guitar standing out. Vocals before a minute. There's a Neo-Prog vibe on this one before 2 minutes. Contrasts continue. A calm with piano before 6 1/2 minutes then vocals join in followed by guitar. "Voler En Eclat" is atmospheric to start. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in with backing vocals as well. Not a fan of this one really. "Les Conquerants" is a ballad-like tune with vocals and piano leading the way.Yikes.

"Don Juan" features the theratrical vocals of Christian Decamps.The bass, drums and guitar standout early. Vocals before 2 minutes. It's an okay tune. "Atomik" is an instrumental although there are vocal melodies. I like the bass 2 1/2 minutes in and the guitar solo that follows. "Alexandre" opens with piano as the guitar comes and goes. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Not a fan of this one either. "My Only Quest" features the vocals of Julie Vander and she shines. I like the atmosphere to to open then piano and vocals take over. A beautiful track. "Cathedrale" features vocal melodies before male vocals come in. Female vocals then lead the rest of the way.

A good album but for me it's not even close to being a 4 star record.