SIRIUS AND THE GHOSTS

An equal blend of electronic with acoustic intsrumentation and consumed by the post-apocalyptic war machines of modern cinema is the music of drummer/keyboardist Daniel Denis. But there are also video game dronings, persistent ruminations, jazz memories and balletic theater pulled together in a way that could have been overwhelming but isn't. Tribal wood sounds create the mood on 'Beyond the Mountains' and are interrupted by Gershwin chamber voicings and Denis' dark keys, contrasted by assuasive melodies from his band of various woodwinds, brass and strings. Changes are sparse but significant and carefully placed, a modulation here, a new layer of flavor there. 'A l'ombre du Zed' is powerful and lively with carnivals cutting swaths in hard Crimsonian rock surfaces. More juxtaposition of mood in 'Eastweave' where the ground underneath goes spongy and the stomach woozy, and 'Sirius' spins into a mad dance. 'Strange Twist' refreshes with a bit of fusion and a proper drum performance by Denis, and 'Fete souterraine' trance-weaves and worships ancient deities.

Difficult? Perhaps. It does take time, this one, and may slip into the background unnoticed until something pleases your tongue, but the good moments are as plentiful as the vapid ones and make up a successful whole.