PRÉLUDE À LA RUINE

My first Nemo review and it is a difficult one. This band really defies characterization. Since most reviews use other bands as reference points so the reader can in some way identify what they would hear if they obtained the album, in my view, Nemo sounds like no band I have heard. They are listed under Art Rock, alongside Rush, VDGG, Mars Volta and KC. They sound like none of those bands. They do have the heaviness of Rush and the diversity of KC. Band leader JP Louverton sings and plays guitar. His guitar sound is unlike anything I have heard. It is very unique and he gets so many different sounds out if it as to boggle the mind. He does border on metal in many places, but the music is really not metal. It is bombastic and has a great balance of keys and guitars, mostly played at once, with solos liberally sprinkled in for both. Liberal use of piano is also evident. The rhythm section is also a strength of the band.

Unlike Rush, very few guitar passages are played over and over. The music is organic at almost all times. It always seems to be moving in a new direction. Songs do not bog down with a central theme or guitar riff. Nemo also comes up with many new and unique sounds that push the music into an electronic feel from time to time. These "sounds," for lack of a better term, are almost always cool and you will only hear them once or twice.

As advertised, the lyrics are sung in French. Most of the songs do not have an abundance of singing, so if this turns you off, it is not a huge part of the package. JP's voice is not as strong as his guitar playing, but it fits the music very well and I believe is a strength of the music, not a detriment.

Prelude a la Ruin is the heaviest of the four Nemo albums I own. The first 5 songs are really a whirlwind a heavy, beautiful prog. There is a softer song after those and then it picks right back up all the way through the final 13 and ½ minute finale, which is a true prog monster and will leave you thirsting for more.

Nemo does very little touring and are produced on a little, independent French label. The word on this band has not been spread nearly as much as they deserve, so consider this review a little more word spreading for a phenomenal band that I hope you will check out. One of their albums will be all it takes to get you hooked and Ruin is a great place to start.