MESSE EN RÉ MINEUR

This is a different yet enjoyable listen.This three piece band from France play violin, keybords and guitar. No bass, drums or percussion. There is a guest female soprano vocalist. The guitar is mostly strummed while the keys and violin take the prominant roles along with the vocalist of course.This is one long 40 minute piece. Actually I was reminded of ARPIA's latest not because they sound anything alike but both bands really stay within the style of music they decided to play with little in the way of variance.

It opens with organ, vocals and strummed guitar.Vocals stop around 1 1/2 minutes then the song settles. Violin before 4 minutes then the tempo picks up and the vocals come and go. A new section after 8 1/2 minutes as keyboards, guitar and violin lead. Vocals are back 13 minutes in. A change 15 1/2 minutes in as pulsating keys and vocals take over. It turns darker 17 minutes in before brightening a minute later. Violin comes to the fore 19 minutes in. Vocals are back. The tempo picks up before 23 minutes with vocals and guitar leading.

A new section 24 minutes in as violin, organ and violin lead. It settles with vocals and it's darker. The guitar and keys before 27 minutes are cool. Violin leads a minute later. Vocals are back 30 minutes in. Piano after 31 minutes as vocals stop briefly. When they come back it's not good. Not a fan of the style of vocals there. Violin takes the lead 35 minutes in and other vocals come in for the first time both male and female. It settles 37 minutes in before a big finish.

Certainly the soprano vocals are an acquired taste and they really keep me from giving up that fourth star. I do really like what they've done here though. 3.5 stars.