SARABANDES

The music played by this French band is quite difficult to apprehend and therefore fully justifies its entry in the intricate Eclectic style. What you will discover is a quite bright and complex voyage into the border of symphonic and eclectic prog music.

Mostly instrumental, this album gently mixes sounds from the French folklore (Brittany) and classic (or symphonic if you prefer) prog. This is how the opener sounds (''Le Chant du Monde''). Complex rhythms combined with more accessible parts. There is even a pastoral acoustic guitar track as if the band felt necessary to break their sophisticated music with a fresh, simple and short ''Porte sur l'Eté''.

Maybe was it just there to introduce the title track. ''Sarabandes N°1 & 2'' (I use to listen to both tracks in a row) has some weird atmosphere. The first section is dark, intriguing although some light instrumental passages confer a more attractive angle to this fine song. Wonderful guitar break is to be highlighted. There are also some short and totally incomprehensible vocals.

The second part sounds more ''medieval'' and more complex. The band really performs with a high degree of skills and unity. At times jazzy, this section also shows their tendency for melodic and warm passages (guitar).

There are unfortunately some tracks that can not really hold the comparison: the religious related ''Cantiga.'' and ''Hymne Et Danse'' features too many parts which I can not endorse. The closing part of the later song is pretty indigestible to my ears.

But the quality is again picking up with the good ''Danza Vital''. It is another instrumental full of brilliant synth, clever guitar, upbeat tempo and varied music. I was expecting more of the closing track when I discovered its title (''Devil's Ball'') even if its length couldn't really bring anything spectacular. I would have expected something bombastic, scary and powerful. Instead, I had a gentle and middle age short madrigal.

In all, this is a good album. Not for all ears but once the astonishment has passed, it is quite enjoyable. Three stars.