SAPIENS CHAPTER 1/3: EXORDIUM

JPL released their 9th album at the start of the year, distilling a very NEMOsian sound but also fresher, more nervous, as if it had drawn a bit from the notes of WOLSPRING. An energetic album, sailing far beyond the PROG universe with eclectic, crossover, jazzy and bluesy atmospheres in addition to those symphonic, orchestral. 3 chapters for this new album and a 1st symphonic title at will on a nervous guitar, the time to warm the ears and to acclimatize with the different climates proposed in "Mastodonts"; a progressive orchestral piece opening Erectus, thunderous. "Homo Sapiens" continues on a Zeppelian sound like "Kashmir", a little oriental title, Jean- Pierre's guiare is here recognizable among all for its specific rendering, capable of passing from a nervous air to another fluid, then to a cascade. The voice passes well not too put forward and integrating in fact; "Ecce Homo" follows with a new, more jerky orchestral, on a varied declination of synth-piano, a beautiful moment reminding me at times from afar certain notes of the bald mountain; there is linear progression as if to close in the most beautiful way this 1st triptych. "A Condition" begins Exitium on a track reminding me the most of NEMO here, the voice in the center distilling its text and the instruments scattered around as if to magnify it; the guitar is splendid in rhythm with Crichton sounds from SAGA, I love it. The solo which arrives draws more air bluesy then launches more psyche notes, to note the final with a very bright synth break; "The Hot And The Cold" continues with a sweet melody on the piano, Stéphanie lending her voice to it with air on the acoustic guitar, a little resemblance to the LAZULI group in my opinion, a group with which he has already worked; the arpeggio of the piano is beautiful and delicate, there is also the old wheel, then energy with synth and guitar riff which bring up the sauce of the title; long orchestral and symphonic break well punctuated for an air that stays in mind ; end with return of the basic piano and the last verse then resumption of the characteristic, metronomic guitar by Jean-Pierre. Exodus comes to finish this triptych with "Planet A", a simple title, intimate, then which goes up without exploding, but which is likely to give you the thrill, listen to it is better! "Alpha Centauri" ends here the album with a bluesy composition, then jazzy limit which gives in the rhyme; then a small variation of well targeted adjectives before leaving on a dithyrambic progressive final with a very oily guitar there. a great album,simply.

JPL are back with their latest album, and while there are some guests on a few numbers this is for the most part Jean Pierre Louveton (guitars, bass, vocals, arrangements) along with his Nemo bandmate Jean Baptiste Itier (drums). Louveton has long been one of my favourite French progressive musicians, and I have always really enjoyed both his work as an integral part of Nemo and JPL (for some reason I have never heard much Wolfspring, really need to resolve that), and this is no exception. Unlike many progressive bands, here the guitar is often front and centre, and there is always loads of space within the music which allows plenty of room for Itier to also shine. All the lyrics are in French, as is the well-designed digipak and booklet, but unlike some I have no issue at all in listening to vocals where I have no comprehension of what is going on, as for me they become another instrument.

The orchestral introduction to the album soon gives way to the progressive music of JPL, where he happily goes from crossover progressive into fusion, neo, symphonic and also bringing in styles outside the genre. But the important aspect here is the sense of balance throughout, as there is reason for everything, and we are taken on a journey which also makes musical logical sense. With the two main musicians having worked together for the best part of 20 years together they have a solid understanding of what needs to be done in the studio. The English news clip at the beginning of 'Le Chaud et le Froid' has one musical style, yet when the songs starts in earnest we are treated to layered acoustic guitars, piano and vocal harmonies which lift it to a whole new level. Louveton continues to deliver albums which are packed full of classic songs, and one is taken to a world here it is only the music which exists and at the end one simply has to play it again. His understanding of dynamics and space are exemplary, and there is always the feeling of no need to rush and that is everything ahs been carefully considered with each layer having a part to play. He rarely allows himself the delight of really showing off his soloing skills, but he has them there in spades, and when the time is right, he lets loose to provide the dynamics and contrast required. Yet another outstanding album from JPL, both the band and the man himself.

As the album title states, this is the first chapter of the Sapiens trilogy and 9th studio album by French multi instrumentalist Jean-Pierre Louveton, and is my point of entry to his solo work.

The all instrumental Mastodontes opens the album with some horns & string arrangements bringing the first heavy and memorable metal riff, outstanding doom-like track with magnificent instrumentation.

Homo Sapiens smartly blends in and represents the first challenge for me, the vocals are in French! Don't worry, it really doesn't matter because the music is so bloody amazing that it makes the whole thing look, sound and feel appealing. Middle eastern guitar licks emerge from Louveton guitars and deposits the first hook. BTW, he also plays bass guitar and does all arrangements in this album, my god!

Ecce Homo is the 2nd instrumental track of the album and is more evidence of this guy's excellent song crafting and is also the perfect bridge for the next highlight, A Condition, one of my favorite songs here. Rocker, jazzy, bluesy, heavy, memorable, catchy, melodic, immense! It also kind of works as prelude to the unearthly Le Chaud et Le Froid, my definite favorite! This amazing song has everything I crave on in progressive rock with a little downside with the female narrative vocals, which kind of remind me of those on Eloy's Dawn, thank god in this case much less pungent. The Gaelic harmonizing between the piano, the bagpipes and guitars is simply fenomenal, enough to fall in love forever with the album.

And when you think that it just can't get better, Mr. Louveton unleashes his finest artillery and presents another set of twin tracks in Planetè A and the album closer Alpha Centauri. Back in the game are the heavy riffing, flawlessly layered to welcome the fat bass and intricate drumming and soundscape arrangements, How can it be possible? (That's why I think I hear him singing in French, coincidence?)

Epic seems like something very familiar with this guy, that's how he treats his music, like epic music because the whole album is totally epic and this ending is proof of that statement. Honorable mention to drummer Jean Baptiste Itier who sounds enormous and amazing throughout the whole trip, a perfect partner for JPL and his rhythmic creations. I can't recommend this album enough, give it a try, it is both interesting and perfect top to bottom! Enjoy!