ROCK PUZZLE

This album has taken a lot of spins for me to fully appreciate what it has to offer. I acquired it before I had Tertio and after I had their first 2 releases. 'Rock Puzzle' made more sense to me since Tertio. At first, it may sound uninspired, but deeper listening reveals it is a more accessible take on Tertio. Sure, the band should've been shot for 'Smarto Kitschy', or maimed for 'L'ultime Rock', but there are some lovely symphonic tracks on offer here : album opener 'L'age D'or' is an uptempo funky track book-ended with some lovely symphonic passages. 'Kaelka' is a delicate piece of prog that is as good as their previous works. 'Eau (H2O)', 'Garces de Femmes', and 'La Maison de Men-Taa' all display their brand of sympho-prog nicely, but not in a particularly exciting way, and last track 'Puzzle' is actually up there with the best Atoll has to give, with some excellent guitaring from Christian Beya. Throughout, the keyboard sounds of Clavinet, Eminent (string synth), Korg & Prophet synths, el & acc pianos, are all put to good use and add a wonderful, progressive texture to the tracks, and the rhythm section shines, especially the intricate Bass playing of Jean-Luc Thillot. The band have decided to employ Brass and String arrangements to several tracks, but not in a pompous way that they usually can be. As for recommendation, I give it 3*, and, as we all look for different things within the music, it may appeal to some or repel others. Give it a go.