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.

Formed around mid-00's in Paris, Rosa Luxemburg was led by the talents of guitarist/keyboardist/singer Minouche with the group taking its name after the Polish-Jewish revolutionary female figure of the 20th century.The band at its later stages included also JB on guitars/bass/voices, Pipo on guitars/voices and female singer Marie-Catherine.They debuted in 2009 with the album ''Chapitres I & II'', helped by drummer Laurent.Minouche took the whole inspiration by Rosa Luxemburg even further, he named his own label Spartakus, named after the anti-war organization Luxemburg established in 1915 along with socialist Karl Liebknecht.

The band indicates that the first chapter is dedicated to Rosa Luxemburg's life, while the second shows a more progressive side.Nevertheless this work is a modern Prog/Art Rock delivery with a fresh approach with PORCUPINE TREE, PINK FLOYD and MARILLION as the main reference point and a strong French flavor due to the beautiful lyrics and vocal depth of the album.Most of the tracks are pretty accesible and basically led by the expressive voice of singer Marie-Catherine with occasional male vocal parts, while the music alternates between catchy tunes, bombastic parts with sharp guitars and even some acoustic calmness, forced by the story of Rosa Luxemburg.Piano and keyboards show up at moments in a supporting role, while the compositions are well-crafted, revealing a good instrumental level despite the constant presence of vocals.Do not expect though the typical side of a Prog Rock band.Rosa Luxemburg's style is characterized by rhythmic lines, decent melodies, sensitive soundscapes and more upbeat colors, which alternate depending on the track.The later part of the album contains two long pieces with good variations between melodic Neo Prog, acoustic textures, emotional acoustic themes and powerful electric offerings, almost in a DREAM THEATER style.

Nice if not a bit incosistent album in terms of songwriting.Modern and lyrical Prog/Art Rock with plenty of changing climates and decent musicianship.Recommended.