ROSA LUXEMBURG

Formed around mid-00's in Paris, Rosa Luxemburg was led by the talents of guitarist/keyboardist/singer Minouche with the group taking its name after the Polish-Jewish revolutionary female figure of the 20th century.The band at its later stages included also JB on guitars/bass/voices, Pipo on guitars/voices and female singer Marie-Catherine.They debuted in 2009 with the album ''Chapitres I & II'', helped by drummer Laurent.Minouche took the whole inspiration by Rosa Luxemburg even further, he named his own label Spartakus, named after the anti-war organization Luxemburg established in 1915 along with socialist Karl Liebknecht.

The band indicates that the first chapter is dedicated to Rosa Luxemburg's life, while the second shows a more progressive side.Nevertheless this work is a modern Prog/Art Rock delivery with a fresh approach with PORCUPINE TREE, PINK FLOYD and MARILLION as the main reference point and a strong French flavor due to the beautiful lyrics and vocal depth of the album.Most of the tracks are pretty accesible and basically led by the expressive voice of singer Marie-Catherine with occasional male vocal parts, while the music alternates between catchy tunes, bombastic parts with sharp guitars and even some acoustic calmness, forced by the story of Rosa Luxemburg.Piano and keyboards show up at moments in a supporting role, while the compositions are well-crafted, revealing a good instrumental level despite the constant presence of vocals.Do not expect though the typical side of a Prog Rock band.Rosa Luxemburg's style is characterized by rhythmic lines, decent melodies, sensitive soundscapes and more upbeat colors, which alternate depending on the track.The later part of the album contains two long pieces with good variations between melodic Neo Prog, acoustic textures, emotional acoustic themes and powerful electric offerings, almost in a DREAM THEATER style.

Nice if not a bit incosistent album in terms of songwriting.Modern and lyrical Prog/Art Rock with plenty of changing climates and decent musicianship.Recommended.