COSMIC VARIATIONS

I seem to have lost count, not literally, but figuratively speaking. We're talking about French guitarist and multi- instrumentalist Xavier Boscher, a musician who specializes in creating progressive rock and metal. I have rarely encountered such a workaholic as him.

His creative life mainly revolves around guitars and other instruments, studios and bands, numerous friendships in the scene, his numerous solo projects, collaborative efforts and not least, his many guest roles. In addition to all that, he also writes poetry and creates paintings. His output definitely deserves a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Although I fear that will never happen. Nevertheless, his website showcases impressive figures. Now, let's get to the practical side of things.

At the time I received his latest album, "Cosmic Variations", for review, it was already his sixteenth solo work. Once again, it's a fine display of instrumental prowess. I set aside the album for a moment, but when I finally found the time for it, I discovered that the successor had already been released. Mr. Boscher certainly moves fast. I have been following him for years and I can reliably state that the quality of his work no longer suffers due to quantity. In the past, he tended to linger on certain themes, but on "Cosmic Variations", everything appears to be compositionally impeccable and the execution is absolutely fantastic.

One thing Boscher does exceptionally well is inserting calm interludes in the midst of his heavy music, only to pick up the pace again. The soaring tones of the fretless bass guitar in the captivating opener, Sea Serpent, are exactly what you want. The melodic guitar playing here is also a treat, as Boscher knows how to hit the right notes.

"Cosmic Variations" (it seems unnecessary to mention the theme of this album) consists of thirteen tracks, namely seven full ones and six ambient interludes. Under the name Echo, Boscher presents six ambient pieces with fuzzy keyboards and spacious guitars. These dreamy interludes prepare you for what's to come.

With Compass On Argonauts Ship, Boscher continues the excellent line set by the opener. It is filled with tempo and mood changes that the programmed drums effortlessly guide you through. Like a true space navigator, they chart their course and are nearly indistinguishable from real drums. The half-open hi-hat sounds particularly natural. Furthermore, virtuosic bass riffs and supportive keyboard parts lay the foundation for this track and practically all others.

With Reticulum, Denebola, Pleione, Astrophel and the closing track Stellan Boscher takes us on a journey among the stars. Especially Denebola stands out. You see, it's evident in every track that Boscher is a superb guitarist, but what he demonstrates in Denebola is in a league of its own. Beautifully layered, wonderfully harmonized, exquisite tonal choices, delightful scales with a great sense of rhythm, all played with a passionate touch.

There are a few passages on the album that are a bit too intense for my taste, moments when a quick two-four time or something similar takes over. I'm referring to Pleione and Stellan. The latter is undoubtedly a fast-paced affair, which suits a finale quite well. It sounds majestic.

"Cosmic Variations" is the work of a man who knows what he wants and seems to effortlessly achieve it. Don't assume that Xavier Boscher is on friendly terms with the autopilot. This quick-witted, bald man who loves heavy music is a pioneer in his own idiom, a genre he deeply cares about.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com