AVANT QU'IL NE SOIT TROP TARD

This is the last of the classic "Mona Lisa" album. And as usual, the music featured is quite good and belongs to the best of the French prog genre. One needs indeed to be open minded while listening to this album and it is obvious that the formidable influence from "Ange" sits at every corner of this very good album.

The excellent and dark opening track sets the pace: it is somber, scary (both music as well as lyrics) and develops the feel that is available throughout this work. This album belongs to the best of the theatric French style. Each song is meant to be a piece of art. As I have mentioned during prior reviews, the lyrics are not as saucy as some of "Ange" ones, but they are quite well performed and they can be categorized as a good representation of the so special French style.

It is true to say that if you don't master the French language, you would probably miss a whole lot of the ingredients featured on this album. Once you have surpassed this difficulty, songs as "La Peste" or "Souvenirs de Naufrageurs" are such a pleasure to listen to that one needs to accept this French substance.

It is true that vocals are somewhat invading the music ("Lena") but this is the genuine "Mona Lisa" style. The best combination between lyrics and music is achieved during the epic "Créature Sur La Steppe" even if the closing part lacks of bombastic feel.

Three live bonus tracks from this studio album are featured on the CD release and are quite enjoyable as well. I guess that it all adds to my feel of not having had a live experience from this band.

Four stars.