PAINT THE SKY

Highly desired, probably not really expected anymore though. But good things need to mature, that's approved. LALU is the brainchild of French keyboarder and composer Vivien Lalu. Now it's quite obvious, with an interval of roundabout eight years he's releasing new albums under this moniker. Since having received rather glowing reviews already for the predecessor albums, this is the third effort in a row. No doubts, he has brought a noteworthy ensemble of musicians together to implement his intentions. Eventually the result is a collection of eleven varied songs, having its roots more in heavy progressive art rock than genuine prog metal, just trying to properly sum it up. And now something special at first, we have two recorded versions of the album title track on this occasion. While both are having exactly the same running length, okay, up to the second, one might expect a vocal based one, yet the other being instrumental. Simply by cutting out the singer (yeah, it's Damian Wilson!) concerning the mix.

But no, that's not the case. Different line up, different flow, I'll keep it up to you to determine the particular variations and the preferred item. The staff's core is completed by Joop Wolters (guitar, bass) and drummer Jelly Caldarelli, who is also involved as the co-producer. The brilliant Damian Wilson shines with a multi-varianted performance, partially close to Jon Anderson, like on the opener Reset To Preset. And then furthermore there is a really huge guest list, which leaves nothing to be desired. No reason to recite them all, please have a look at the production credits. Lalu is pulling the strings in a rather modest manner. For example his keyboards are taking a comfortable backseat in comparisn to the omnipresent electric guitars. That said he's providing the artistical frame, and the majority of the stirring compositions. Allowing as much liberty as possible hereby, in consideration of the prolificness the involved musicans are able to deliver.

Well, they are painting the sky in a very colourful manner, means one hour playing time of sheer beauty. At this time I'm really flabbergasted by the dedicated radio friendly prog chart stormer like Emotionalised and Lost In Conversation. This is coming closer to the likes of Lifesigns, Toto or Saga, simply perfect compositions featuring proper sing-along character. Not yet, but this sometime may go over to the heavier and more complex songs like both the album title tracks, that are rather corresponding to, let's say, Riz Story's Anyone or For All We Know. And then Standing At The Gates Of Hell for example even delivers an excursion into jazzy territories. What a great album! Technically flawless, and emotionally absolutely touching. When considering the sheer amount of new prog releases constantly coming in, anyhow, I'm sure this will accompany and inspire me for a long time to come. Finally I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Vivien Lalu for making such a beautiful gem real.

The playing is great. These are great instrumentalists. But an album should be more than good playing. Especially a prog album. With these high ratings, I expected a lot. but this is a boring album.

Reset to preset - Very safe version of progressive metal as Lalu is labelled here. It doesn't invite me to continue to listen, although the rhythm section is nice 5.5/10

Won't rest until - The second song isn't very inspiring or groundbreaking either. As a prog fan, I try to cling to snippets of ingenuity or surprise. All I hear is open doors being kicked in. 5/10

Emotionalised - Dreadful middle of the road/AOR type of song. I hated it 40 years ago. I hate it even more now. 4/10

Paint the sky - One of the nicer tracks. Nothing special for me 6/10

Witness to the world - Very obligatory song with cringy lyrics and an obligatory guitar solo 4/10

Lost in Conversation - Another song that sounds like an uninspired track from an 80's AOR band. I can't bear the lyrics either 4/10

Standing at the gates of hell - I love the jazzy outing on this track. I love the organ even more. This is one of the better songs on the album. Although I don't really like the rocking start and finish. I don't get why you would combine this. It doesn't work 7/10

The Chosen Ones - The composition is quite ok going into interesting directions. Nothing too spectacular and nothing new. But the lyrics, I can't stand them. The chorus saves the song. 6/10

Sweet Asylum - Nice guitar instrumental 6/10

Sweet song - Yet another 80's AOR song. Not something I would ever return to. 4/10

All of the lights - Fitting closer for this album 6/10

I don't see how this can be a recommendation for prog fans. We have heard this type of music before, executed better with better lyrics. I am unsure why this even should be 2 stars. 1 star it is.