TRISKAÏDÉKAPHOBIE

Triskaidekaphobie - a brief search on the internet gave the answer to the question about the meaning of the album name: fear from the number 13. Well, fear is one of the emotions that pass through the music, but not the only one. Here there are three compositions, two of them written by Roger Trigaux, leader and guitarist, along with Alain Rochette, one of the two piano players, in this Belgian RIO group. The first composition 'Promenade' is developed in the style of minimalism, where all of its advantages are achieved, without falling into its traps: repeated patterns, hypnotic and ecstatic, with minor changes, dissolves into the next pattern, in various moods and atmospheres. The overall style is an aggressive rock, with rock grooves and feeling. The finale is a good example for that: The pianos are "knocking" (in a good manner), plodding the first theme, drums and bass repeating constantly on the previous pattern, and Trigaux's guitar is yelling and howling with feedbacks and distortions. A great finale to an excellent composition.

Although all players are incredible, I would like to mention here the significant contribution of drummer Daniel Denis to the construction of each pattern. Each hitting is meaningful, the overall drumming is precise and clear, and yet there are lot of unexpected appearances and syncopation that push the music forward.

The other 2 compositions which originally appeared on side 2 of the vinyl (my review is based on the CD that contains their first two albums) are quite different: 'Le Poison' is a very intriguing composition. As opposed to the first composition, there is almost no minimalism here. The development is very grave and strict, almost classical, with each note bearing a deep thought. But somehow, for me, the overall feeling is too didactic, academic. To give a point of reference, Karn evil 9 by ELP, the 2nd impression, comes to mind here, but 'Le Poison' is less furious and virtuosic.

The 3rd composition 'Repulsion' by all members is one repetitive theme, played slowly, in a haunting way, ornamented with percussions such as a gong and cymbals, by fabulous drummer Daniel Dennis.

I've mentioned Daniel Dennis twice, but In fact the whole band sounds great. The bass playing by Christian Genet is very clear, powered and rhythmic; the brilliant pianos, played mainly by Rochette and also by Trigaux are performed with high technical skills; finally, the guitar playing by Trigaux adds its flavors to the whole atmosphere. All together they sound very tight and in full control, like a Swiss clock. (Or a Belgian one, in this case).

By the way, while writing this review I've realized that this is my 13th written review. Quite frightening isn't it?

Highly recommended.