SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIÈME SAISON

This is the group's second album, and it is its ... pinnacle ! All Quebec is very proud of this ambitious 1975 gem, including myself who is also from this native land (I'll go analysing the most objective that I can..., but since I played keyboard versions of all 5, it will be easy and concluding). Could be classified as "folk-progressive", but believe me, it is true prog ! A concept album about the 'standard' four seasons, from spring to winter, with the additional last track being the 5th season, an addition that lead to the title "Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison", being something like "If we had need of a fifth season". And if you think there is no need for that extra season, just listen to this masterpiece ! You will order that fifth one to the Nature right away !

The five different compositions are beautifully assembled together around the four (five) season-theme, and you will find musically in them a logic and a progress.

The two longer tracks, the fifth and "Depuis l'automne" set the tone of the album : a flowing adventure of nice vocals, sensibilities, ambitious different musical styles and a very unique sound coming as a unit from the multiple instruments, a sound that you will not find elsewhere. Intricate super musicianship. Those two epics are in the form of a 'suite', with various sections well connected together in a beautiful way; there is plenty of mellotron, and the extraordinary characteristic is that when rhythmic parts hit you, you feel transported... until you realize that there are no drums or regular percussions ! It is awesome. A lot of spirit. Such rhythm in theses conditions. The guitar, piano and bass do it all !

The first and fourth tracks (about Spring and Winter) are also beautiful, with themes that have become popular in Quebec, melodies that hook you and featuring Fiori's guitar play. Very strong compositions indeed. Even "Dixie", the more poppish, short song evoking Summer, emerges as a fun game, relax, and is finally interesting (if you put aside your prog-mind). Lots of energy and youth.

As many reported, the track "Histoires sans Paroles" is worth alone the buying of the CD ! Super true ! It has all the prog features : odd-time signatures, complexity, beautiful melodic schemes, extended instrumentals, impros and atmosphere, a "general feeling" unequalled, gorgeous musical sections, such as the first theme in 4/4, rediscovered at the end in 3/4, separated in the middle with a very sensitive melodic air (with Judy's voice). Just one advice when listening : do not interrupt, once started !

From songs #1 to #5 : a very solid 5.0 stars ! Not even 4.8 rounded ! A 'must' in your collection !