ROQUEFORTE

ARANIS are from Belgium and play modern Classical / Chamber music.This apparently is their first album with a drummer so why not get one of the best right ? Well in Dave Kerman they did. Also new to the band in pianist Pierre Chevalier who many will know from UNIVERS ZERO and PRESENT. Besides piano and drums we get double bass, flute, violin, viola, guitar and accordion. No vocals on this one. It seems like i'm getting my fill of Chamber music of late and this is another outstanding example of it. I really like how the music here seems to build then settle back, then build and settle back.This happens often.

"Roque" opens with a good rhythm then it settles with piano, strings and flute standing out then back to that rhythm. It does get pretty intense then settles back again after 3 minutes with strings. Accordion takes the lead for a while later on. It's catchy late to end it. "Ade I" is a short eerie piece. "Past" opens with strings, piano and percussion as accordion joins in then flute. It settles around 2 minutes then the flute starts to lead as it builds. It settles again and builds once more. "Ade II" is another short ominous piece this time with flute. "Noise" opens with flute and piano before a fuller sound kicks in. It's building a minute in then it settles some with flute outfront. It builds again before settling with strings then it gets fuller. A calm after 4 minutes then strings and bass come in, flute too. It's building. It settles back before 6 minutes with percussion and piano. Accordion joins in as the tempo picks up. Great sound before 11 minutes. Just a fantastic track !

"Ade III" is haunting with sparse piano. "Naise" opens with accordion, strings and bass as flute then drums join in.Yes it's building. A calm around 2 minutes then it builds again with strings, flute and piano. Another calm before 4 minutes then it builds with accordion, strings, flute and bass. It settles 6 1/2 minutes in and flute leads. The tempo picks up 10 minutes in to end it. Great tune. "Ade IV" opens with drums as violin,accordion and other sounds help out. "Tissim" opens with uptempo piano as strings join in. Great sound. Accordion after 1 1/2 minutes as it settles. It's building as contrasts continue. "Aila" opens with strings, accordion and bass. It settles with flute after a minute. Bass and other sounds return. Another calm arrives. It picks up 4 minutes in with a beat and strings. "Forte" is mellow to start then the accordion, drums, piano and strings come in. A silent calm before 2 minutes to the end of the track. "PS" is a short uptempo piece to close the album.

If your into this style of music then I wouldn't even hesitate.