STRINKADENN' YS

SEVEN REIZH (FRANCE) Strinkadenn Ys This unexpected purchase in 2001 still remains cemented in my top 5 list of 21st century prog releases and will probably stay there for a very long time. An hour and a quarter of pure bliss, brilliant sound, amazing production, beautiful instrumentation, and a memorable aftertaste than lingers on and on. This is almost bordering on medicine. A proggier take on the fabled Breton-Celtic tradition of Malicorne, Alan Stivell and Kad, these spirited musicians have focused on creating a modern, progressive adventure with breathtaking vocals in Gaelic, supported by the tightest arrangements ever. We are far from the folkier world of Enya, Clannad or Iona. Perhaps closer to that underrated Mike Oldfield album "Voyager", one that I happen to enjoy immensely, though not for everyone, seemingly. The lovely artwork only serves to accentuate the charm emanating from this seminal debut. Claude Mignon, in particular, shines on keys and unleashes some sizzling e-guitar leads throughout. Ably supported by bassist Olivier Carole and drum maestro Gurvan Mevel, an entire arsenal of flutes, bombarde, and Uillean pipes add majestic Celtic flavourings that are really inspiring. Above all, the masterful vocals by Bleunween Mevel are some of the finest female vocals ever, all sung in the Breton dialect, giving this an out of this world atmosphere that is immediately infectious and astonishing. The cruising "Selaou" sets the tone from the outset, with an exhilarating guitar-driven voyage of sonic splendour, as if the salty Atlantic gales splatter all it comes in contact with, where sudden crests and unexpected ebbs define Mother Nature's immense power over man and its machines. When the plaintive and echoed male vocal joins the achingly beautiful guitar lead, all is heading towards that angelic voice that has given me goosebumps every single time that I have heard this tune in the last 22 years. The various chorus variations are as close to perfection as is possible within any music style. The axe solo is patently iconic! The folkier acoustic splendour of "Dornskrid" quickly evolves, due to the imminent thunder and lightning in the backspace, into another mammoth melody that is accentuated by that crystalline voice of utter purity and sweeping serenity. "Sovajed a-Feson "certainly kindles images of more traditional Celtic reminiscence, expressed by the percolating drumbeats and a simpler vocal delivery, as if telling a story which of course is very much a Gaelic pastime. The atmosphere is grandiose, sunny bright and upbeat, as if there was a need to chill after all the stormy weather. But as is always the case, nothing ever stays the same and "Naer Ar Galloud" introduces a cold wind back into the proceedings, though it is quite gentle at first, a lead guitar that invigorates the sound with a return to powerful riffs, amid growling voices and a foreboding mantra, the sweeping Bleunwenn voice spreading its seductive charm once again. Spiraling contrasts and effusive counterpoints, this is quite the experimental side to Mignon's composing ability as this sounds almost like a theatrical piece, set on the turbulent seas of "La Manche". Gulls squawking, current of saline air, fresh refrains of synthesized soundscapes, all combine to set up the instrumental attraction of "Hybr'ys", preparing the stage for one more vocal performance with that plaintively expressive voice, mouthing unknown words that are nothing more than additional musical notes, adding to the bliss. The massed background choir darkens the mood as it competes with the braver female singing. Very atmospheric, highly cinematographic, and quite sublime. Binary drums introduces "Kan Ker'Ys", a luxuriant Floydian rhythm with majestic Uillean pipes, aching male and lamenting female background vocals, sparkling ethnic rivulets galore, all elevated to a higher plane with some sizzling guitar lines. Celtic origins are said to be as far away as Anatolia (present day Turkey) as they migrated into Central Europe and then onwards into Spain, France, Britain, and Ireland. The high-pitched wailing here resembles something like Hungarian folk singing legend Marta Sebestyén has done even on some Deep Forest electro albums. The resolute atmosphere of "Linvadenn" keeps the journey on course, a rather ominous lament highly evocative as expected by now, this time hinting at the native non-Arab Kabyle of North Africa, introducing the immense voice of Farit Ait Sameur, a repeat experience on the next Samsara album which is, as with all Seven Reizh subsequent releases, a masterpiece in its own right. The apex is finally conquered with the 8-minute sizzler "Tad da Hamm", a riveting rocking locomotive that spares no expense to razzle and dazzle, a bewitching flute leading the way, as the arrangement weaves along mightily, once again showcasing the three elements that make prog such a joy: passion, atmosphere, and melody (the PAM acronym). Everything sound here is sheer perfection, the pace purposeful, the countenance soothing and the bombarde doing its Gaelic magic, blaring, strident and redolent, as the electric guitar takes over and then in tandem, both instruments in complete unison, traditional and modern performing at the highest level. Simply breathtaking! Time to relax with a poignant ballad "Enora Ha Mael" that chooses to set the spotlight on that lovely voice once again, a classic beauty that needs no analysis just a pair of receptive ears and a heartbeat that pounds each elapsed second. The finale spares no prisoners, as the megalithic nearly 9 minute long "Mall Eo Monet da Ys Part 2" slays mercilessly any remaining doubts, a perfect assimilation of all that has happened along this aural expedition for the ages. At times frantic and athletic, abruptly orchestrated with strings to alter the mood, tossing in tons of gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drums and brash synths that do recall a certain Genesis tune, the playfulness apparent, the confidence supreme, the result devastating. Most if not all of my fellow reviewers, as well as veteran prog musicians, have also correctly rated this very highly and any progfan worthy of his devotion to the cause deserves hunting this outright MASTERPIECE down and placing it into their player and venerate this melodious trip for the rest of their days. Not a weak second on this disc, even the silences are amazing. This Prog Rogue says: An absolute candidate for Prog immortality. Steadfast in its future convictions, this band will go on to release many more genial albums for the betterment of the progressive rock idiom. 5 Brittany terriers