SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIÈME SAISON

A prime example of a wonderful and unique collection of music that I likely would never have been exposed to without help of ProgArchives. This album leaves me happy, relaxed, awestruck and entralled every time. The album art only accentuates the mood that these songs convey: pastels, butterflies, bunnies and hippies are exactly what I picture when I really get into this record. The only album that I really can compare this to is An Evening with Petrucci and Rudess, given the absence of percussion and the unique sound and atmosphere, though the comparison is admittedly inadequate. Of course, this has much more diverse instrumentation and texture, and is also a hands-down masterpiece.

Vert. A dreamy yet lively opener. We quickly discover the impressive harmonies these vocalists can create: in-tune, yet not overly produced so as to lose their emotion and rawness. I also especially enjoy the energetic bassline.

Dixie. An EXTREMELY catchy tune that is not especially creative with the basic chords or structure, but which does show that these guys are very respectable musicians. I find the interplay between the guitar and piano to be absolutely phenomenal, but let's not forget the clarinet either!

Depuis l'Automne. Harmonium show that they know how to construct an extended piece. A thoughtful and emotional introduction leads to one of the most beautifully unique instrumentals I have ever heard. A crisp echoed guitar crackles over a distant soprano sax (at least that's my best guess) and beautiful mellotron, and this section just melts into a mesmerizing vocal harmony. The texture and instrumentation here is unique and breathtaking. Then we get not one, but two, nice builds and catchy vocal harmonies to close the tune.

En Pleine Face. The mellow track of the album, but quite well-done of course, and the accordian adds yet a different sound and feel to keep things fresh and interesting.

Histoire Sans Paroles. This is an absolute emotional rollercoaster, running the gamut (in the order that I experience them) from reminiscent to anxious to dreamy to overwhelmed to pensive to joyous. I'm not one to usually be emotionally influenced much by music, but every time I hear this song, I think of previous loves, opportunities missed, times of extreme uncertainty, and moments of overwhelming happiness and satisfaction. All of this is accomplished from the relatively simple combination of absolutely gorgeous melodies, near-perfect transitions, restrained yet focused playing, and arrangements that could not have been done better.

One of those rare musical gifts that keeps on giving, and in ways that no other albums can (at least for me). My highest recommendation.