L'ÎLE DE SEPT VILLES

This Canadian band called "The Hylozoists" released their third effort a couple of years ago (2009) being their latest album to date, I really hope a new one comes soon. The band has suffered changes in their line-up, however the sound prevails, and that can be appreciated in this cool album called "L'Ile de Sept Villes", which features ten compositions and a total time of 40 minutes of cool soft post rock.

It starts with "The Possibility of an Island" which is a nice electronic introduction to the album. The sound is soft and relaxed, but prepare for action. "Bras D'or Lakes" starts softly with piano and drums, the sound increases while the seconds pass and other instruments appear, creating that so charming sound that The Hylozoists create. This song is actually beautiful, the violins and string sounds addition is wonderful to the already beautiful sound.

"The Island of Seven Cities" has some kind of addictive clappie sound which is kindly accompanied by drums, xylophone and then the (I don't know if the keyboards create the string instruments sound, or if they are the instruments themselves) string sound. Once again, they've managed to create a charming atmosphere that anyone can enjoy. I like it a lot.

"Bubbles & Whezzy" has electric guitars with a kind of western sound, and later the other instruments join the club and turn the song into a Hylozoists one. Though you may say their songs are repetitive, I believe their essence follows that path, sometimes repetition is not that bad, much less when the songs are unique, though the sound may be alike. "Dark Scene Waltz" has everything but darkness, but it is cool and ironic to see some of the titles, and then associate them with the music.

"Your band doesn't have the legs I thought it would" What a curious name. The music is pretty interesting, repetitive if you wish, but full of colors and textures. The keyboard sound is hypnotic, guitars, piano and drums always helping with that cool atmosphere, and then the rest of the elements (instruments) that join create a complete and powerful track. "Parents don't let your Children grow up to be Compressed" is another creative, dynamic and interesting composition that will please the followers of mellow, beautiful and gentle music, no matter if you really like post rock or not.

"The French settle in" is a shorter track that reminded me a little bit to the famous Amelie movie. "Acadia Acadia" is different, with acoustic guitar and synth as background, a nice combination of acoustic and electronic things. And "Soixante-Sept" finishes the album. I can say their sound is pretty consistent, from one album to another they maintain a line, it is evident that them all (former and actual members) are talented and have the creativity necessary to create cool and original music.

I am happy with this discovery. They might not be the most amazing band ever, but their music has something to tell you, and should be appreciated. Don't ask me about the progressiveness (we are in a progressive rock site), but well, you may like it, especially if you have the arms open for the softest side of post rock. My final grade is three stars.

Enjoy it!