THE LAST OF THE LASTS

XANG are a talented French band who play all-instrumental music.This is their second release and it's a concept album. I do prefer the debut because I find it more dynamic and powerful. It's hard for me to get into concept albums like this, I guess i'm too lazy.The subject matter is too depressing anyway.

"Sacrifice" opens with gentle guitar and percussion.The guitar is more passionate before 1 1/2 minutes. Some heaviness in the second half of the song which ends before 9 minutes when it settles back. The synths become prominant after 10 minutes. "On Leave" is kind of jazzy with guitar, drums and bass. Piano replaces the guitar before 2 minutes. It kicks in harder after 2 1/2 minutes briefly with organ outfront. Organ then leads then it kicks in again as contrasts continue. "Verdun" is mellow with synths, a beat and relaxed guitar.The piano replaces the synths before 3 minutes then the synths lead again. It changes completely before 7 minutes as the piano takes over.It then picks up with synths 8 1/2 minutes in. It's heavier late.

"Sons Of The Empire" opens with spoken words but we also get sirens and experimental sounds. "Mud" is heavy early on but it settles right down a minute in with synths and drums.The guitar is back 2 minutes in. Nice. "Roommates" opens in a mellow way with accordion and piano. Drums and synths take over after 1 1/2 minutes.The guitar joins in and the tempo picks up before 3 minutes. A change before 4 1/2 minutes as it turns atmospheric. "Trenches" has some heavy outbursts and the guitar lights it up 5 minutes in. "Gas" opens with gas sounds. No not that. A beat comes in and the guitar cries out in this emotional closer.

It certainly has it's moments but not enough of them for me to give up the fourth star.