BARB-A-BAAL-A-LOO

This is my favourite VISIBLE WIND album and it happens to be their last (so far). I was surprised at how interesting and inventive this one is and I like the heaviness that comes and goes. Lots of mellotron too creating atmosphere.

"Vladivostok" is a short intro track that sounds like circus music played by an accordion. "The Healer" opens with atmosphere and it really sounds like theremin here, very spacey synth-like sounds. Some heaviness comes and goes including chunky bass lines.Those spacey synths are back then vocals. I like the organ before 4 minutes. Spoken sampled words before 6 minutes then it builds and blends into "Maniaquerie". Man this is good as it gets quite heavy. Kicking ass ! Vocals join in. Spoken sampled words follow the flute after 1 1/2 minutes then it gets heavy again. A scream after 3 minutes. A calm with electronics ends it. Great tune ! "Barb-A-Baal-A-Loo" opens with organ, guitar and drums as these strange spoken vocals come in.Those theremin-like sounds are back and I like the guitar here too. It's all so interesting and different. Killer stuff. "Hollow Emptiness" opens with drums and organ as vocals join in. It's heavy with bass helping out as well.The organ really impresses here. Flute before 3 minutes.

"Mal Brook" has such a great sound to it. It's intricate yet powerful. Bass, percussion, organ and guitar all shine.This reminds me of ANGLAGARD. Flute comes in later. "Lost Ideals" is fun with the organ runs, fat bass and heavy guitar as he sings over top. Another fav. "Dans Le Vide" opens with gentle guitar and word samples and other background sounds including mellotron. It picks up some when the laid back vocals arrive with drums. Organ joins in. It's more powerful 1 1/2 minutes in as the vocals turn passionate as does the sound. When it settles back it's so beautiful. Gulp. Contrasts continue. Flute before 3 minutes. Check out the guitar after 5 1/2 minutes to end it. Fantastic track. "Qui Seme Le Vent..." opens with acoustic guitar as reserved vocals join in. Flute and tambourine after 2 minutes as the contrasts continue. "Neandertal" opens with flute, bass, organ and more. It kicks in with vocals before a minute. Some nasty organ here after 3 minutes then the tempo picks up with vocals helping out. "Visages De Sable" is a short 2 minute piece with strings and flute standing out. "Recommencement" is an uplifting tune with vocals. I really like this one. "Freed Again" opens with intricate guitar as synths then vocals join in. Drums too then bass. A mellow tune for the most part that builds. "I Was There" opens with faint keyboards and synths as vocals join in. It's like they wanted this one kept quiet.

This really impressed me especially when I wasn't expecting it to be so good. He sings in both French and English. A solid 4 stars for the Quebecois band. Well done ! By the way they thank Roine Stolt in the liner notes. Andy at Planetmellotron also lists this as his fav from the band and at 4 stars.