LA CITADELLE

CAFEINE were a French band,found in 1990 by Patrick Jobard (guitar), Christophe Houssin (keyboards) and Laurent Houssin (bass guitar). The first line-up included also Bertrand Peyrat on drums and Jean Chiriaux on vocals.The band recorded two demos with great success and was offered a contract by MSI,however it was the departure of Houssin,Peyrat and Chiriaux which slowed things down.CAFEINE continued playing live with Jean-Christophe Lamoureux on bass and Hervé Morel on drums,while new vocalist Philippe Ladousse joined a little later.Finally the band's debut ''La citadelle'' was released in July 1994,

STYLE: A fine release of melodic Progressive Rock with a modern sound (often flirting with neo progressive),yet the influences by 70's bands are obvious.Keyboards have a strong classical flavor and when they doesn't it's the guitarist who takes over with plenty of mind- blowing melodic solos.Lots of instrumental parts with enough complexity and a good amount of strong, poetic and lyrical performances.From the powerful,filled with interplays compositions to the more relaxed,laid-back vocal-led themes,it's a certain aim for the band to keep the album's good balance.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: Any guitar/keyboard-driven symphonic band that springs to your mind.From GENESIS and CAMEL to ANGE and ANYONE'S DAUGHTER with an obvious neo reference.Often I am reminded of EXPLORER'S CLUB ''Age of impact''.

PLUS: Keyboard work is simply beautiful with a mass of memorable symphonic outbursts.Guitars are also very strong,both on rhythmic and solo parts.Vocals come also as a plus,as Ladousse is a decent singer without an over the top moment.The album in general is very melodic and maintains a great balance throughout.Some more complex parts will satisfy the more demanding progheads.

MINUS: You won't find something you haven't heard in the past.The production is flat,burring at moments the fantastic keybord and piano work,a common thing for most of late-90's/early-90's bands.Drums and especially percussion sound very very plastic.

WILL APPEAL TO:...fans of Symphonic/Neo Prog,who propably consider it a must-have.

CONCLUSION/RATING: A carefully-arranged album by a very talented band in the vein of Classic Progressive Rock can be nothing more than a succesful purchase.Fine melodies,an ethereal atmosphere and the superb balace guarantee a pleasant listening...3.5 stars.