CAPITAINES

The only other album that I have by this French band is "Sarabandes" from almost 20 years earlier. So yes their sound has changed. For me I kept thinking of Mike Oldfield, especially with the acoustic and electric guitar tones. Even the music itself is very intricate and upbeat in the Oldfield style. Of course there are differences but that would be my reference point, and I don't like this nearly as much as I do "Sarabandes".

"She Moves Through The Fair" sounds much better when it kicks in just before a minute.Vocals follow. Not a bad opener. "Avec Uppsala" opens with percussion and vocals as other sounds proceed to come and go.This is catchy with lots of intricate sounds.

"Mauresque" features intricate guitar, bass and synths standing out. Oldfield-like electric guitar follows.Then we get this Celtic sounding flute before 3 minutes as it calms down. It kicks back in after 4 minutes. "En Terre Etrangere" is dominated by keyboards.Vocals before 3 minutes as interesting sounds follow.

"L Croix De Bourghi Bando" is fairly uptempo with vocals. Guitar and organ help out too. "Le Chant De Gauthier" has organ and percussion leading the way early. Guitar and a fuller sound before 1 1/2 minutes. It settles again as contrasts continue.

"En Superro" is eventually led by vocals and a beat. Synths and guitar take over. I'm just not into this one. "Capitaines" is laid back as vocals join in. It picks up before 2 minutes with lots of guitar and percussion. "La Route" opens with acoustic guitar.Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes and vocal melodies follow. It picks up after 2 1/2 minutes. Catchy stuff. Cool song too.

3 stars from me but I know there are those who would really love this album.