AGAIN AND FOREVER

Yet again, French multi-instrumentalist Sébastien Gramond has reinvented himself and his music with 'Again And Forever'. Although there are still the organ-driven rockers that made up a great deal of the earlier work and the more down-to-earth jazz fusion he has previously defined himself with, but never before has the experimental, quirky vibe been so prevalent as it is with 'Again And Forever'. Traversing as far as to wander into the realms of Zeuhl prog, Gramond is obviously an artist who refuses to be married to a single genre, although the wide variety of styles here does make it a relatively inconsistent piece of work.

Songs such as the title track 'Again And Forever' are typical, simple pieces of organ rock that one might expect to find on a late-night classic rock program, a driving, powerful beat to it, with little subtlety or layers to unravel. However, barring the simpler, rock pieces, there are pieces here from all over the board. The album begins with a piece of psychedelic raga that sets a serene, almost meditative voice to the album. Contrast that with the albums highlight and second track 'Possessed By Fire', which immediately plunges the listener into Zeuhl, a rather apocalyptic and dark derivation of jazz. Then there's even an acoustic vaudeville track, with a nasal vocal delivery from Gramond that doesn't pass me as being anything more than a quirky joke.

This is where 'Again And Forever's weakness lies. Once again, there is an improvement in the execution and production of the album, but Gramond doesn't give each of his many styles the same bravado and force. The classic rock tracks feel stale and unmemorable, and while certainly interesting and enjoyable, his psychedelia feels a little too raw and unpolished. What he does do well however, is the dark jazz, which at times sounds like an instrumental Magma.

Although there are moments of excellence to be found here, it seems Gramond needs to consolidate his talents before making a truly excellent album.

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