LA VIEILLE QUE L'ON BRÛLA

Classic French Progressive rock with fantastic melodies and some grand musicianship along the way. RIPAILLE were certainly less known than ANGE but lived in the same era and in fact toured with them at one time. RIPAILLE's music is rich and full bodied with some wonderful songwriting and heavy use of analog synths. Like ANGE, RIPAILLE's music was centered around concepts and full of theatrical moods perfect for their lavish stage shows. Vocals are sung in French and are quite well done with great expressionism. Instrumentation used throughout is exceptional and nicely varied and contrasted. We are also treated to a few tracks from RIPAILLE's second album which I had never even heard of before. In many ways their sound is reminiscent of Canadian 70's prog band HARMONIUM with their slight electronic folk influences and quirky little moods. Songs are greatly landscaped with analog keyboard sounds while the guitar bass and drum carry the melody. French prog lovers sanctuary for sure.