NARR

Narr is quite an unknown name for eclectic prog folk listners and I think they desearve a far better view. They are from France formed around 2003 and releasing so far a single album with a strange name Oxymore Dans La Chrysalide Des Rêves issued at Musea records in 2009. Well, the music is exactly as the cover art - A combination of prog folk elements with eclectic feel, dark deep gothic vocal lines, some jazzy overtones all together in a vintage atmosphere, the result is not bad at all. The band that comes in mind when I'm listning to Narr at certain extent is norwegian Tusmorke. What is at first spin very evident is the bass arrangements, is very in front, very dominat on every pieces and combined with flute is quite intresting here like on opening piece Zepter Des Narren, I think the best from the album and an excellent track that defines the Narr sound, deep dark bass dominated prog folk. The rest are also ok, this is the type of album that needs repeted listnings to be fully appreciated, all pieces has a mid to low tempo, so no fast moments here, but that is not a problem for me, I don't have or know many albums that sounds like Narr so I can say they have a quite an original sound in today scene. Quite unknow to larger public. To me this is quite good towards great in places3.5 stars for sure.

Narr develop a softer variety of progressive rock, with an emphasis on folk rock (the flute and vocals are the most obvious "culprits"of this). There are certain symphonic elements as well (some Mellotron samples used, the piano segments and some very intriguing developments), while a great deal of the music also seems to be based around the philosophy of post rock, with themes being bent and shaped out of all recognition over extended periods of time.

Musically, we hear a very prominent rhythm section. The guitar is smooth and unobtrusive, with more focus on the development of melodic themes than on strictly technical playing. A good mix of acoustic and electric guitar is employed, although prevalently done softly (without distortion). The keyboards are used for background mostly, with many big chords creating dreamy atmospheres. The vocals are often choral and Gothic and often reminiscent of Gregorian chants. However, although it is clear that a lot of attention was put into the vocal parts, they are probably the weakest element here. It's not that they're poor or anything like that, it's just that they're very ordinary (in terms of colour and melodies) and don't stand out.

Should Narr choose to focus on a more instrumental approach, with vocals being used merely as another (backing) instrument, they would have a fine future as a folk/symphonic/post rock crossover. The music is ambitious and striving to discover new territories, which is always welcome. With a bit more focus on compact themes and their intertwining, Narr should have no problems creating a very fine legacy for themselves and for fans of such music.

We're dealing with the lighter side of the art rock spectrum on this effort. Not as in light tones and textures, but light in the sense that you won't get to hear even one distorted riff pattern on this effort. No standard guitar soloing either.

Clean, undistorted electric and acoustic guitars are utilized instead, most often as wandering textures on top of an insistant, dominating wandring bass guitar - with the latter apparently the central instrument inn all compositions.

With both regular and theatrical vocals and the occasional flute soloing the end result is mellow, dark and dreamy affairs with leanings towards folk music in style, but with a distinct foundation within the art rock family.

Somewhat repetitive at times, but all in all a good effort - and those who might fancy mellow, dark and dreamy art rock should check this one out.