AU CRÉPUSCULE DU TEMPS

RARA AVIS IN TERRIS has a relatively short history. Rather unknown in the worldwide progressive rock realm they existed from 1997 to 2001. The band operated with two guitarists and produced this album for the Italian label Mellow Records. Although musically and technically skilled some deficits in promotion coupled with the lack of money made it really difficult for them to become more famous outside of France. So most of their live performances took place in the north west area of their country showing them as a 70's prog rock outfit.

'Au Crépuscule Du Temps' holds songs which are mainly mellow relaxed and psych/space tinged - clearly influenced by Pink Floyd. Some unique aspects of their music are vocals in French and the extensive use of a saxophone. Corresponding to the title Ocean it all starts with the sound of the sea where soon the instruments come in to start something spacey chilling provided with a jamming character. Then you will detect some mysteriously sawing synths and the song gradually evolves and gathers speed by and by. Finally the outro is presenting a relaxed rhythm section again - well done!

Nearly every song is made up with saxophone attendance - to name Kaléidoscope which is another example for the band's spacey vibe. Excellent guitar work here coupled with interesting synthesizer contributions. With The New Millenium they now leave the common path. This is a solid dual guitar dominated heavy rocking song - this time with English vocals - as for their live performances a mover I'm quite sure. The title track finally is designed to be the core I assume - an epic suite of nearly 30 minutes devided in five sections. It keeps some nice moments but can't maintain the magic of the predecessor songs - just if the ideas were run out a little bit.

The opening part La Naissance (Ouverture) sounds close to 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and the grooving L'Apotheose especially meets my taste - this time they are adding a flute instead of the usual saxophone. L'Apocalypse starts with fine percussion work and then changes to a heavy rocking behaviour. The song is interrupted with complete silence several times and every new start sounds in another way like coming from different improvisation sessions.

'Au Crépuscule Du Temps' is worthy to explore - a solid and enjoyable album filled with 60 minutes of retro styled music inspired by Pink Floyd and additionally spiked with some heavier excursions here and there.