ILLIAN - J'ENTENDS GRONDER LA TERRE

Between 1979 and 2003, "Atoll" (or best to say its great guitar player Christian Beya) has released...two studio albums. For this one, he called his mates from the last studio recordings (the weak "L'Océan") and here we go for another "Atoll" adventure.

The prog sound of their debuts turned to full rock music in the late seventies and this mood will prevail here as well. Still this album is substantially better than its predecessor (but this is not difficult). To summarize, it is good French rock, with some prog touch I would say.

The opener "Illian", being one of the proggiest of all. "Au secours de vos jours" is a bit mellowish at times, but Christian will produce some killer guitar riffs of the best vein to highlight it. I would even say that the singer has improved drammatically (but in forteen years, he has had plenty of time to mature of course).

Since, there were three guest musicians, "Atoll" will even deliver a fully classical track : pastoral, almost a madrigal-type of song. But "La Légende De La Forêt" is not for me..."Comme s'écoule un fleuve" is hopefully totally different. Dark song with a good narration to start, this song also features some Eastern influences. "Atoll" frequently has added this aspect in their music and the result is rather acceptable. Great keys for a fabulous and rhythmy middle song. This is "Atoll" at his best, really. How nice is it ! The highlight of this album.

Pastoral and aerial mood again during the title track which is again more narrated than sung, but that's alright. It's an ecological warning. If we don't pay attention, the earth might remain quiet ... for ever. This is of course a message that is even more actual today.

There are no weak track so far (except "La Légende"), and even if "Un Nouveau Départ" is not their greatest song ever, it is pleasant to listen to and do not denotes from the whole. "Le Miroir De Tes Yeux" starts with a gentle acoustic guitar instrumental opening. The whole of it will be on the soft edge of their repertoire. Nice background flute and subtle keyboards. Almost "Trespass- esque". A tranquil and beautiful song.

"Quand Le Monde Se Met A Chanter" is one of the only pop/rock songs here (reminds me a bit of "Indochine" - another French rock band) and it is a bit behind the level of the other pieces. Still, the guitar...The last number (also two parts) is a bit heavy in its finale. I wish that "Atoll" would have produced another good symphonic one, but it won't the case.

Although the symphonic side is hardly to be noticed on this release, it is a good rock album. Even if highlights are scarce, the whole album is pleasant. A relief after the disastrous "L'Océan" and a good return to business from this band. It deserves your attention; no doubt. it is their best album since "Tertio". Three stars.