MÉMOIRES INCUBUSSIENNES

Originally named Incubus, this band from Quebec was found in 1970 by Leo England (drums), Michel Phaneuf (keyboards), Andre Deguire (guitar/vocals) and Luc Giroux (bass), but disbanded in 1971.A few months later England and Phaneuf reformed Incubus with Mark Delage on bass, joined in 1973 by guitarist Pierre Poulet.They even had the chance to record an album at the Strawberry Studios in Herouville, France, in 1974, having a fantastic equipment, which was never released, as Incubus disbanded for good the same year.Some 30 years later England, Phaneuf and Delage gave birth again to Incubus, releasing ''Memoires Incubussiennes'' in 2008, now as Excubus to avoid legal issues with the L.A. band of the same name, recorded at Red Tube Studio in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada.

The first four tracks are original recordings from Incubus' 1974 material, featuring guitarist Pierre Poulet.It is a great example of keyboard-driven Progressive Rock with dense musicianship and a very dark atmosphere, somewhat reminiscent of E.L.P.'s well-structured themes or LE ORME's more complex arrangements.The compositions are led by huge Hammond organ moves supported by fantastic Mellotron waves, eventually creating a very sinister and bombastic atmosphere.This grandiose material is often supported by occasional heavy guitar riffing, making the overall sound even more powerful.The track ''Teeth'' even has some great synth moves, which, combined with the organ and the Mellotron, produce a very rich soundscape.

The next four tracks are all reworked compositions from the 70's, featuring Claude Phaneuf and Andre Barriere on guitars, both known to Incubus from the post-70's band Polygone.The sound hasn't changed a bit over these tracks, this is still bombastic, cinematic and dark-sounding Progressive Rock with the Hammond organ as the leading instrument, maybe with a light sense of melody due to the more frequent use of vocals in a couple of tracks.Again these are characterized by a pounding rhythm section with very deep bass work and powerful drumming.Of course Michel Phaneuf's Hammond organ is again in full orgasm, delivering haunting and symphonic textures with a unique atmosphere.The last track ''A Child's Funeral'' though is pretty melodic with a very BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST approach and a great delivery on church organ and acoustic guitars.

Excubus aka Incubus were back, alive and kickin', after all these years of silence.This great compilation of 70's tracks should find some great response in all fans of organ/keyboard-driven Progressive Rock and comes as a strongly recommended one...3.5 stars.