L'ARAIGN�E-MAL

Atoll

Symphonic Prog

4.08 | 221 ratings

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Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

Another winner from France ! This six piece unit offer us a nice variety of sounds and styles, from Fusion to Psychedelic. And yes these guys could play with the best of them.

"La Photographe Exorciste" opens with spacey synth waves that are joined by spoken words as drums come in. The vocalist is laughing now as the sound is becoming quite intense. It relaxes again as the first 5 minutes of this song have more in common with Psychedelic music than the Symphonic flavour that follows. Love the guitar 7 minutes in.What an amazing tune this is. Violin arrives 8 minutes in to end it."Cazotte No.1" is an uptempo instrumental. The drums are very active as the violin comes and goes. Chunky bass lines as the guitar lays down some fine melodies. Violin after 3 minutes in outstanding. "Le Voleur D'Extase" opens with violin as the vocals take over quickly.The first 1 1/2 is nice and relaxing and then the tempo picks up as keys swirl with vocal melodies and violin also standing out. It calms back down 3 minutes in as contrast continues. A very pleasing long guitar solo after 6 minutes. Zeuhl- like vocal melodies to end it.

"L'Araignee-Mal" is a side long suite that is divided into 4 parts. The first part opens with percussion sounds as the violin makes some noise and the drums follow suit. A change after 2 1/2 minutes as we get a melody of drums, bass and violin. A minute later the sound becomes dreamy as it drifts along. Vocals 4 1/2 minutes in with a tasteful guitar solo a minute later. Nice. The second part opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. This is so warm and moving. The vocals become emotional and the mood is so uplifting. Synths become prominant as it blends into part three. This is catchy with some nice drumming. It calms down 2 minutes in before becoming bombastic with vocals. It blends into the final part as the melody all but disappears until drums and piano arrive after 2 minutes. Violin and bass join after 3 1/2 minutes. Great sound. Some scorching violin and guitar follows.

A very solid 4 star record. This band really impressed me with the way they arranged and developed the songs. A gem from France.

Mellotron Storm | 4/5 | 2008-1-25

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