SONGS FROM MIRAGE

The two female vocalists give the music an entirely new dimension. The voices are classically trained but not operatic. They sometimes remind me of medieval and early renaissance music, very delicate, harmonious and melancholic. Combined with the pulsating energy of the music underneath, everything gets something of a Zeuhl touch. Not the excessive flavour of Magma, but the more accessible voices of Eskaton comes to mind.

Compared to the debut, the music has become more introvert; still very intense but less wild. As on the second album, the influences from Philip Glass are prominent, on occasion even in the vocals. So the closest I could come to describe this album is as a mix of Philip Glass (Satyagraha style) with a brighter kind of Univers Zero (Ceux Du Dehors). Fans of mentioned artists should be aware that Aranis has no drums or percussion and that they maintain a slightly folksy touch as well. Not the pastoral kind, but there are certain traces of European folk traditions. So also the 2 other Flairck fans here might lend their ears.

With no flaw in the quality of the material or the performances, Aranis truly came into their own on this album. The legacy of mentioned influences can not be ignored but with the addition of the vocals, Aranis have become a truly original act in today's crowded chamber rock niche in Belgium.

It's a solid 4 stars for me and one of the best albums from 2009, I just got it too late to make my list.

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