PRINCE DES HAUTEURS

Motis is a French singer/songwriter, who decided to pursue a solo career after his experience as a member of various small bands.With drummer Remy Diaz he formed a Folk duo, influenced by Celtic, World and Rock music.They released together a few live and studio independent albums from 2000 to 2004.This was the breakthrough year for them.They were already joined by guitarist/flutist Florent Tissot and shared the same stage with Ange.Christian Decamps promoted the band through an Ange fanzine and Motis signed a deal with Musea's sublabel Musea Parallele, which released the album ''Prince des hauteurs'' in 2004.

With this release Motis' sound became more polished, diverse and progressive, adding more prominent electric parts and keyboards in their style, obviously influenced by the folky side of ANGE.Still Motis maintains a song-based style propably closer to the approach of his first albums with plenty of lyrics, but his poetic voice is more than welcome.However there is a great balance between the folky side of the band and the new additions like the electric guitars and the impressive Mellotron waves.The songs are short but contain plenty of well-crafted themes, short instrumental breaks and even 70's symphonic references, mixing the delicacy of French Folk with the grandiosity of Progressive Rock.The acoustic guitars are nicely blended with the vintage keyboards, the archaic flute drives and the melodic electric guitars, while the album is filled with beautiful and warm singing lines.

There is enough rock content in ''Prince des hauteurs'' to consider it as a great Progressive/Folk Rock release.The ability of the trio to change its sound from sensitive folk stylings to dramatic proggy soundscapes is the greatest reason to purchase the album and have eventually a listen to Motis.Warmly recommended.