A MOMENT BEYOND TIME

This Canadian band has opted for a harder / poppier sound in comparison with their debut and rather pleasant album : "Catharsis". While that one was full of gentle and peaceful moments, it won't be so often the case with this record although the opening track might mislead you. "Ulysse's Return" is the best representation of this evolution.

Vocals are mostly nice and since they are Canadian, one song ("Soleil d'Aube") will be sung in French. Not too bad, but not a memorable track niether. One of the best number on this album is the instrumental "Chasing The Skyline". Fully keyboards oriented, it is also one of the harder than average songs.

Some week song even, like "Seeking The Moon". It's funny how it sounds as "Duran, Duran" one. Poppish and too mellowish to my taste. The same (poor) feeling applies to "The Faded Years". To remain in this "New Romantic" mood, you only need to listen to "A Moment In Time" and its "Spandau Ballet" vocals type. But I can not really complain about the latter since I was rather interested in this musical genre.

To be diversified there will even be a sort tribute to Hackett ("Solitude") : a nice acoustic guitar track ("Horizon's", here am I). As far as intrumentals are concerned, is there anyone out there that can tell me the need for this twenty-one second track at the end of the album (? - this is the name of the track : question mark).

The longest song (over ten minutes) is also on the heavy side of their work (especially during the intro). It will hold some full symphonic parts as well (finally !) thanks to a very good guitar solo. It is the most elaborate song of this album. Probably because they could develop their ideas during these 10'30". During the finale, "Visible Wind" reminds me the theatrical vocal "Ange" style. But this is not to annoy me, of course. On the contrary.

This album is a bit of a disappointment. I would have expected another sort of evolution. This is still a good album, but like its predecessor it is absolutely not essential. There are lots of better albums out there.

This album sounds less symphonic, less straight-forward and less melodic. Still, compositions are nice to listen to. Only that some magic has gone, IMHHO (humble and honest opinion).

Three stars.