ROSA LUXEMBURG

What a interesting idea, to start with Overture 1812 (hell, I mean 1871), which isn't randomly chosen date. It's birth year of person 1)about who is this album 2)after whom is named this album 3)is quite important to know if you want to understand this album. I don't provide links here usually, but seriously, go here if you can (google for her name) and try to learn (or even speak) French meanwhile.

This record has a lot to offer and I'm quite sad that I can't speak in this er-French language, so the story of this album literally, as reading story of her life on wiki helped me lot (she was left-wing person that I sympathize to some extent with, even I'm more like rightist).

One of members here is someone I know, this probably influenced a music a little bit (stirred the waters), Pipo. One of my friends when I told him about this project and its members said to me: "Where's Elo" ? Yep, Dream Theater coverists, Pipo&Elo. Maybe it's coincidence, but these folk elements are here, amongst some symphonic elements, together with heavier parts. They're constantly switching, so you'll get hint of a eclectic music (or crossover, depends on definition). Vocals are pleasant, same as language (for me as someone sometimes struggling with French language - most notably with some of Ange's sharp as razor sung songs). L'architecte contains each of these genre elements, spanning epic-like size of 8:56 and I'm glad for it. There are also some negatives on this record, most notably quiet, almost empty passages, where not much is to be heard (I've never liked these, so maybe it's just me). Acoustic guitar everywhere, so who likes it will be pleased. I am, I have soft spot for gentle pulling of acoustic guitar strings that goes to almost magical, hypnotic-like states of mind in Nos ames perdues

4(+), sad thing that I can't (and a lot of other people who can't speak French) enjoy the story more, but that's the life. Harmonic music not so different from Harmonium's well known (and here on PA best rated) second album. Expect beautiful melodies (from time to time) and great music in other cases.