ÈRE

The opening seconds of this album sounds like Rush in their prime...... Rush post 1990 to be more precise. Then the French lyrics kicks in and it becomes obvious that this is not Geddy Lee & co. But I was fooled for a moment !

I listed this album without knowing that this album in fact is a remastered and reworked version of their debut album R from 2002. The music here is therefore their first effort as recording artists. I just wanted to get this in before I continue......

.... With a review of an album which starts out with a Rush sound, but then branch out to include influences also from Yes and the French symphonic prog scene. That is, Yes anno Close To The Edge. The French lyrics also gives me some references to the likes of Pentacle. But most of all, this album is very much down the Rush direction. It is littered with Rush sound bites. I have listened to many bands in my life and Rush is my favorite band. Hence I am, whether I like it or not, trying to find bands which gives me the Rush vibe. Direction is the band which has come closest to Rush in sound........ and Yes.

The quality of the material is good throughout. The opener En avant toute is a great song. The rest is there about too. The reworking and the remastering of this album cannot hide the fact that this album is a debut album where ideas is tried out and then rejected. There is no doubting this band's talents though. The arrangements are good, although sailing very much up to the wind (Rush). Even the couple of ballads here is very good and tasteful. The use of saxophone on one of them are excellent. The musicians too is very good.

It is my understanding that the other Direction albums is more in the vein of Camel and Yes than this album. But this album is very Rush dominated and that pleases a Rush fan like myself. I will purchase the rest of this band's albums as a matter of priority as a result. I am keeping an eye on this band.......... watching their every move.

3.5 stars

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