AU NORD DE NOTRE VIE

There are some excellent choices to introduce prog folk to a person who is available to know it. The first White Willow effort, french Wurtemberg, three or four Basque prog works, and of course Jethro Tull, among others. But I have this feeling that it's better to get started on this genre with some specific albums, and the first I'd pick would be this one. Let me tell you why.

First, it has an unquestionable symphonic rock vein among two of the 7 tracks, which helps to appeal to the subgenre that the majority of the prog rock fans love. Second, the composition of the lyrics is very coherent to the term 'folk'. Exploring some native and local aspects of Canada's culture and history. Third, the instrumentation is superb, and doesn't stay back when the singers (all divine, specially Rachel, which has plenty of space this time) are performing. There's a cliche about prog folk that is usually used to declare this subgenre's rejection: that it gives to much space to vocals and little dedication to instrumental. Au nord de notre vie proves this cliche can be true on other prog folk works, but not in this one. By the way, there are some tracks totally instrumental. Fourth, the use of acoustic instruments, that is common on prog folk, in this interplay makes a very creative, fresh and surprising interpretation of traditional tunes. Fifth and one of the characteristics that really captivates me in prog rock - the vocal harmonies are outstanding. Lyrics, sang in french, display musicality on first place and interpretation, dramaticity on second, IMO the option that delivers the best french chant. The female vocals could find the way to sing and also execute some very beautiful vocal effects. Another great effort on this topic are the passages when two or more musicians are singing together or as a duet. Besides, the chorus arrangements are just in the right place and mood, always.

Other features about this opus reinforce my analysis about its brilliance. The diversity of instruments, the production and edition very tight to combine these multiple contributions.

The booklet has its own charm, making something simple but very wise: besides the lyrics in french is its translation to english, Unfortunately, it may be hard to get access to this, because the CD nowadays is hard to find (lucky me I bought it several years ago).

Almost perfect! 4,6 to side A, and 5 to side B, on a 5 star scale.