PHILHARMONIE

This is a trully experimental record of three guitarists performing both individually and simultaneously in an album, that produces dreamy, ethereal and Ambient-like atmospheres.Already since his days with Shylock L'Epee had been compared to ROBERT FRIPP regarding his style and this comparison seems reasonable again listening to ''Beau soleil'', where the three guitarists use these FRIPP-ian techniques to result obscure soundscapes, based on steady grooves, light jazzy solos, dark distortions and generally series of unique collaborations.The ability to come up with a very personal and haunting atmosphere marks Philharmonie as a very original act, however the long duration of the album does not really help, a length of 30-40 minutes would be really great and the time plenty enough for the listener to catch up with the idea, unfortunately ''Beau soleil'' tends to sound rather boring after the 40-min. mark.

Hard to fully describe it, but good enough to purchase it, ''Beau soleil'' is an album with a unique sound of its own and definitely in need of a decent reissue by a major label, fully representative of Frederic L'Epee's musical personality.Recommended to all guitar freaks and lovers of deep music atmospheres.

This is heard most prominantly on the song "Vers Le Nord".There are drums and bass on this record as well, but the guitars dominate the sound. The sound here is restrained and pleasant without much variation. There is little in the way of outbursts or solos. This is a band playing together as one for the most part, and it's very impressive. Intricate and interplay are two words that come to mind a lot. I must say though that I much prefer L'Epee's next band YANG which is very dynamic with some great angular guitar. The final song "From The North" was interesting because the guitars almost sound like electronics the way they sort of bubble quickly.

This is in my opinion more for guitar fans or guitar players. An hour of this is a bit much for me though.

The album has very high-class compositions, and there's not a weak track. The production and the sound quality are also top notch.

The band disbanded in October 1997, and this fifth and final album was recorded between March and August, 1998 at Studio 26, Antibes, France, and it is a great way of saying good-bye to their audience. Recommended!