SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIÈME SAISON

Harmonium - Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison (1975)

Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison ("If We Needed a Fifth Season") is the second album by the Quebecois band Harmonium.

The group's self-titled debut had been a massive success the previous year, thanks to its inspired folk sound and emotional depth. That album already hinted at the band's potential, but this second release reveals a remarkable artistic evolution.

Originally a trio consisting of Serge Fiori (vocals, 12-string acoustic guitar, and main songwriter), Michel Normandeau (acoustic guitar, backing vocals, accordion, second songwriter), and Louis Valois (bass, backing vocals, piano), the group expanded for this album. They were joined by Serge Locat (piano, Mellotron, synthesizer) and Pierre Daigneault (clarinet, flute, saxophone), who added significant musical depth and color.

It's worth noting that Locat was one of the first Canadian musicians to use the Mellotron, bringing a lush, symphonic dimension to the album. The result is pure folk-prog - a seamless fusion of acoustic textures, progressive structures, and poetic emotion.

The album consists of five tracks, each representing a season, with the final one - the "fifth season" - giving the album its conceptual and emotional identity.

1. Vert (5:35) The album opens with spring. It begins with echoing flutes, creating a light and airy atmosphere. Musically, it's bright and dynamic, with shifting rhythms and rich 12-string guitar. The vocal melodies are beautiful, and the whole track has a playful yet refined tone. (9/10)

2. Dixie (3:26) Summer arrives with one of Harmonium's most beloved songs. "Dixie" is upbeat and joyful, drawing direct inspiration from New Orleans jazz. The piano and clarinet arrangements are delightful, and the track features multiple vibrant instrumental sections. You could jokingly call it "progressive Dixieland," but it's more than a novelty - it's a gem. (9/10)

3. Depuis l'automne (10:28) The autumn track is the album's first full-fledged progressive epic. While the previous songs are relatively short and accessible, this one ventures into deeply progressive territory. It begins quietly with Serge Fiori's intimate vocals and soft acoustic guitar, then transitions into a breathtaking instrumental passage featuring Mellotron. The second verse returns with greater emotional force, followed by another instrumental section - more intense, with wind instruments and a rich, echoing 12-string guitar solo. The track builds to a stunning, emotional finale. A true masterpiece. (10/10)

4. En pleine face (4:51) The B-side opens with a more introspective piece, reminiscent of the first album's folk style. The melody is melancholic and heartfelt, capturing the isolation and quiet beauty of winter. A simple, sincere song that resonates deeply. (9/10)

5. Histoires sans paroles (17:12) The fifth season - the heart of the album - is expressed through a 17-minute instrumental suite in five movements:

L'isolement, L'appel, La rencontre, L'union, Le grand bal

Each movement is rich in melody and atmosphere, with seamless transitions between acoustic guitar, Mellotron, piano, and flute. Judy Richard's wordless vocal solo is stunning, reminiscent of Clare Torry's performance on The Great Gig in the Sky, but more melodic and restrained. The inclusion of the ondes Martenot, played by Marie Bernard, adds a haunting, otherworldly dimension that sets this piece apart. Masterpiece. (10/10)

While Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison may be less elaborate than L'Heptade in terms of orchestration and concept, it achieves a rare kind of coherence and emotional unity. It's widely considered one of the greatest progressive rock albums of all time - and with good reason. As the saying goes, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" - and in this case, every element contributes to a deeply moving, timeless musical experience.

Poignantly, Serge Fiori - Harmonium's frontman, lyricist, and creative visionary - passed away on June 24th, Quebec's national holiday. He leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary music that helped shape the cultural identity of a nation and continues to inspire musicians and listeners around the world.

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