THEIR COLORS FADE

For those who don't know him, Marco Minnemann is the drummer for the supergroup The Aristocrats (among others). He is a very complete musician, who participates in numerous projects and who offers with 'Their Colors Fade' his latest solo album in a Prog/Jazz/Metal style. On this one, in addition to the drums, Marco plays guitar, vocals, bass, keyboards, etc... Although the heart of his music is very anchored in rhythmic and percussive elements, this album surprises with its harmonic and melodic musical qualities, its diversity and its audacity.

From the first track "Egg Nog", the listener's bearings are disturbed. 8 minutes of polyrhythm, guitar and bass licks with a metal tendency, doubled vocals (male/female with Mikaela Attard ) with a strange melody. Not the most accessible song to open the album, but quite fascinating to dissect. And the icing on the cake: the participation of Alex Lifeson (Rush) on guitar?

Complete change of register on the very short instrumental "Mirrors" where Marco plays all the instruments showing his talents as a composer and performer.

"What do YOU ​​know?!" is a more traditional-looking song, almost pop, with an unexpected Hispanic vibe. On "The Ugliest Of Beasts" it is clearly the drummer who takes control for a jazz fusion track which seemed intended to be 100% instrumental until the arrival of a surprising female vocal. We are precisely in the part of the album devoted to the voice of Kendall Yates for a series of very pleasant songs.

Marco Minnemann is all alone again on "Fireflies", a powerful single that is reminiscent of Rush , including in the way he sings.

It is the beautiful voice of Pauline Cattiaux which takes over on the long development "To All New Ghosts In Town", a title with a very interesting rhythmic approach, listen to the implementation of the guitar and bass in relation to the drums, especially on the instrumental bridge.

"The Dark Side" is a jazzy ternary track with an experimental tendency with vocals that can be described as "Zappa-ian". So far, there haven't been too many electro elements, this happens with "Sailboats" which maintains a fairly dark atmosphere.

"I <3 My Shark" is a great success since it skillfully mixes Rock elements, an almost childish melody and lyrics, with complex orchestrations and brutal breaks.

Then comes "Calculator", a beautiful dark acoustic ballad which contrasts with the rest of the record. Jazz experimentation, superb brass parts, and poetry on the gripping "Glass Attack" which is a type of musical Happening.

A very beautiful piece with a silky arpeggio that calms the spirits, "Hope" brings a little light at the end of the album.

'Their Colors Fade' is a rich, complex, innovative album on which Marco Minnemann impresses with his qualities as a composer, singer, guitarist, and drummer of course. If you like adventure, a form of experimentation and don't fear complex rhythms, this record could appeal to you. The album is nevertheless a little long for my taste, since it displays 17 tracks for a duration of 1h12, but can you really blame a musician for being generous?

Review originally posted on www.progcritique.com.