REJOICE!

It is only two years since Frédéric L'Epée (guitars, synth, chorus), Laurent James (guitars, chorus), Nico Gomez (bass, chorus), and Volodia Brice (drums) released their last album, 'Designed for Disaster', which makes their fifth album the fastest to follow another yet. That might have something to do with the review of that release which Frédéric read where it was compared to America's Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. That led him on a voyage of discovery as that band was new to him, and he realised their singer, Carla Kihlstedt, would be perfect for the work they were doing so he invited her to take on lead vocals. He found himself writing with her voice in mind and providing lyrics with meanings as he wanted her to be driven by them the same way he was.

There is no doubt that many will think of Yang as followers of King Crimson, and their complex, syncopated and polyrhythmic guitars certainly brings to mind Fripp, but only in the sense that they are incredibly experimental and inventive and need immense skill to be able to provide the musicality and melody which turns these into more than just complex finger exercises. The five songs (out of thirteen) which contain vocals feel different to the rest of the album just because the focus is in a different place, but there is no doubt they belong here, and it is difficult for me to say which style I prefer, but the instrumental "Concretion" is very special indeed and at 7:25 is just way too short. This is my first exposure to this French avant progressive outfit but I can see I need to seek out of the rest of their albums as this is very special indeed.

Guitarist Frederic L'Epee has had quite the career playing in that Robert Fripp style over the last 50 years. Whether he's playing in that angular style or combining with another lead guitarist to create some "Discipline" styled interlocking guitar bits, he clearly has been influenced greatly by KING CRIMSON. He started out with SHYLOCK in the second half of the seventies, and both albums they released are classics in my opinion. I would consider that second release "Ile De Fievre" from 1978 as a top three when it comes to Frederic's miusic.

After SHYLOCK folded, Frederic created a band called PHILHARMONIE, and their final release from '98 "Le Dernier Mot" is another top three for me when it comes to Frederic's recordings. When that band broke up he then created YANG, which has lasted the longest(20years!). And it's their debut called "A Complex Nature" that would be my final top three from L'Epee's recordings. All of his music up until this 2024 release called "Rejoice!" have been in a very similar style. You know what your going to get in other words. Until now.

This came well advertised that YANG had turned from being almost an all instrumental band to being a vocal led band. Of the 13 tracks, 10 have vocals. It's really surprising to see lyrics, and a lot of them in a YANG liner notes. They brought in Carla Kihlstedt from SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM to be the main singer. Laurent James, the second guitarist also adds vocals. He's not really a singer, but it works. Other than their debut which I mentioned is my favourite, they have had a steady lineup with no changes. That debut featured a different rhythm section. This is a long one at 79 minutes, so when it comes advertised as being a grower, I knew I had my work cut out for me.

Frederic composed all the music and wrote all the lyrics. I feel like he composed differently on this one as a result of the focus on the lyrics. He said he composed with Carla's voice in mind. I have yet to warm up to this one. I know I'm not the only L'Epee fan to say this. This is different. It will be interesting to see if they continue to be a vocal led band now going forward. There's so much to enjoy here, but man I'm so on the fence with most of the music here. Like others, I have to mention the first instrumental "Concretion" as being a favourite. It reminded me of RUSH early on for it's power which is contrasted nicely with the more relaxed sections.

The title track deserves a mention, but more for the lyrics which I think are pretty cool. Man are those synth guitars on "We Are Heralds"? It sounds so much like "Discipline". I like the instrumental section to end it. I'm not big on the guitar style on "Light As A Cloud". Reggae comes to mind. And how about "Fire And Ashes" which sounds like a CARDIACS cover. I will admit to feeling like Carla's vocal style is an acquired taste. I mean she comes from an Avant band and often sings in that style which I'm not into. So those first two tracks were telling for me with those vocals. Which is probably why the instrumental "Concretion" at track three stood out so much.

I knew this was a risk, in fact I changed my mind about getting this a few times. Thanks for all the amazing music Fred! You've had quite the career following in Fripp's shadow. But this is where I get off.