FÉLICITÉ THÖSZ

Vocally bombastic and instrumentally mysterious, Félicité Thösz transmits the listener through a wintry, dreamlike world of sound. It is dramatic, punchy, and strangely uplifting. The medium is quite homogenous, but the moods are gloriously diverse.

"Félicité Thösz" The ubiquitous piano is stellar, a phenomenal adhesive binding the album together. The operatic vocals sound almost like Christmastime, and yet convey a darker sense of urgency coupled with a triumphant joy. "Nüms" is the melodic highlight, with an effervescent counterpoint, showcasing an inviting male vocal. "Tëha" that follows offers the climatic feminine vocal, and it's difficult to not feel elevated. And "Waahrz" is a piano interlude that rivals Rick Wakeman's performance in the middle of Yes's "Turn of the Century."

"Les hommes sont venus" Delightfully repetitive, this carol serves as something of a postlude to the excellent collection of segments that makes up the main substance of the album.