KALEIDOSCOPE

I was blown away by their debut "Sphere", and I must say that this sophomore release by this Quebec Fusion band is impressive. Yes you can insert the word "but" here. I don't know, I just don't have the same excitement for this album. "Been there done that" are sort of my thoughts on this one, only they did it better the first time.

"Hypothese A" is the best track on the album as far as i'm concerned. It's fairy relaxed with keys until it kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes. Great sound ! Check out the bass after 2 minutes. Nice guitar with piano follows. The tempo continues to shift and they also continue to contrast heavy and light. "Maintenant" is where they slow it down as we get a light sound with lots of piano and bass. It's ok. "Destination" is more aggressive thankfully. Lots of guitar as piano comes and goes. It settles 3 1/2 minutes in with some excellent drum work. Kicks back in a minute later.

"Tunnel" opens with some outstanding guitar as drums pound. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes then tasteful guitar comes in. He starts to rip it up before 3 minutes. The heavy and light continue to be contrasted. "Hypothese B" is the longest track at over 11 minutes. Piano intro as the guitar cries out. It settles with some clapping then kicks back in. Settles again before 8 minutes with some relaxed guitar to the end. "A-O-14" features some heavy drums early as the guitar makes some noise. Piano joins in after a minute as the drums stop. Nice guitar solo after 3 1/2 minutes then the heavy drums return. It's ok. "Epilogue" builds as the guitar comes in. A calm after 2 1/2 minutes to the end. Piano and clapping once again. "Hypothese C" sounds great to start, and the drums sound fantastic a minute in. It turns fairly jazzy. Check out the guitar 6 minutes in and the drumming that follows. Laid back piano ends it.

Good album, just not a great one.