PROGRESSION BY FAILURE

I read many comments in which Symphonic albums by new artists are described as "Retro Prog", a term with which I strongly disagree, because being influenced doesn't mean that the artist will copy what existed some decades ago. Well I wish this people would listen PROGRESSION BY FAILURE'S self titled debut, many would have to eat their words, because everything in this band is original, except the quality which is timeless.

As a breeze of fresh air the talented french multi-instrumentalist NICOLAS "NICORDAN" PIVETEAU presents us a new approach towards instrumental Symphonic Prog, it's true that the careful listener will find some KING CRIMSON, ELP, PAR LINDH PROJECT and even TOMAS BODIN reminiscences, but the sound is so unique and radically new that nobody can even imply he's trying to sound as anybody except as "PROGRESSION BY FAILURE"

The album is extremely complex by moments and soft peaceful on others, the composer blends with dexterity Avant Garde, Neo Classical and powerful Rock elements in such a way that even contradictory genres sound perfectly coherent and captivating, proving us that Symphonic Prog has evolved far beyond what the pioneers ever imagined.

The short introduction sets the machinery in motion with great mystery and immediately leads to "Dialog with a Selfish" an extremely complex song with a structure so elaborate hat reminds a bit of "Lark Tongues in Aspic", despite it doesn't sound remotely as KING CRIMSON.

But then in a matter of second the track morphs into a Neo Classical passage only interrupted by the excellent Moog performance, a dramatic full of passion interpretation, pure Progressive Rock at it's best.

"Memories from the Future" start with a combination of Organ, Mellotron and drums which lead gently to an absolutely fluid passage in which all the instruments fuse in one unique sound.

The main component of the song is in the extreme drama, enhanced by the dark piano sections that again change into a different section with fluid keyboards, soft but energetic, never loosing the interest of the listener. But that's not all, again the song changes dramatically into a fluid and lush keyboard exhibition.

"The Solitude of Winter" is by far my favourite track, the piano display is simply delightful and delicate, but the best characteristic is the way in which the music grows in intensity and tension as it advances, hard to describe but easy to listen and suitable for any Progressive Rock fan, specially for those like me who started listening Classical music before Prog..................Extremely beautiful.

"Desperate Anger" starts with an electronic intro that suddenly changes into a Crimsonian collection of dissonant sounds and power..........But, unlike most bands who attempt this, is absolutely coherent.

If this wasn't enough "Desperate Anger" changes into some sort Heavy Prog in which the feeling of claustrophobia invades the listener, no blank spaces, no rest, just music comprised with horror to the silent spaces, again a great track.

"Talion" is a really impressive songs, even when I found the whole album extraordinary, this song proved me I was before a versatile composer, in this track I listen similarities in style JEAN MICHEL JARRE but combined with some sort of late Romantic music in the vein of Borodin, perfectly fluid and coherent with explosions of pomp and brilliant keyboards, this album doesn't have a weak moment.

"Progression by Failure" is closed with the title song, a very pleasant 22:44 minutes epic that consolidates my positive opinion about the release. This time the approach is totally different, it's some kind of MIKE OLDFIELD inspired Neo Classical piece, with soft changes and Jazzy leanings. everything flows so fluid until the eighth minute when a strong bass announces a change, again in the stylistic vein of "Tubular Bells" but of course with a totally different melody. After some more changes, Mellotron choirs and beautiful music.

I was tempted to rate this album with 5 stars, because I feel no flaw and, consider "Progression by Failure" a masterpiece, but everybody knows I never rate debut albums with the maximum, being that this would mean the author has reached his/her peak, and in this case I'm sure "Nicolas" and PROGRESSION BY FAILURE have much more to offer.

Really 4.5 stars, but being impossible in our system, I will have to stay with four solid stars and hope to listen from him soon.

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