LAZ

1989 and Halloween arose as a regular band with the addition of Philippe Di Faostino on drums in the place of Thierry Gillet and Yann Honoré on bass.They entered again the Studio Bleu in Bevern to record their sophomore album ''Laz''.This time though the producer was Francis Grosse, the boss of Musea Records.Originally the album was released in 1990 in LP format, followed by a CD reissue 4 years later with the extra track ''Suburb'', coming from the same sessions of the original album's recordings.

The formula used was about the same with ''Part one'', a challenging, deeply atmospheric Symphonic Rock with light Fusion overtones and plenty of dramatic moments, either offered through the irritating violin plays of Jean-Philippe Brun or the orchestral choirs and keyboards of Gilles Coppin, particularly strengthened by some theatrical vocal lines.Play by play Halloween start to remind of the more haunting and occult French Symphonic Rock groups like SHYLOCK, ATOLL or CARPE DIEM, though their sound suffers from this 80's-styled production and the heavy use of synthesizers.The first side of the album is the strongest with a couple of impressive, rich and powerful tracks full of violin moves, soaring synthesizers and deep orchestrations, having a depressive and haunting atmosphere.The second side is a bit excessive and largely instrumental, based more on atonal textures and experimental synthesizers, flirting at moments with Avant-Prog, although there are still moments of pure pleasure with the soaring violins, the Classical interludes and the bombastic rhythm section in the forefront.Unfortunately a few moments appear to be rather uninspired with long instrumental but quite monotonous movements as in the pale ''Blue Nightmare''.

The good thing with ''Laz'' is that the moments of interest are too interesting to surpass the album.It sounds a bit uneven and too ambitious for its own good, but this is very original and often trully captivating music.Recommended.