CANNIBALES

Jean-Pierre Louveton is the guitarist from the very promising French progrock band NEMO. This is his third solo album, I haven't heard the other two but I'm impressed by this effort. I would like to call it 'progressive guitar rock' because the focus is on JP Louveton his guitarplay (he also has invited other guitarplayers) but every song sound tasteful and elaborated, this is far more than guitar-rock

Most compositions on this solo CD are very original , every one has its own climate featuring many great musical ideas (only "Comme les autres" sounds a bit too longwinding) and exciting guitarwork, a bit similar to ARJEN LUCASSEN (AYREON) at some moments. The French vocals often sound strong and expressive with that typical French theatrical undertone. The new NEMO bass player Lionel B. Guichard plays a fine role on the alternating track "St. Petrole" (ethnic flute, acoustic rhytm guitar, heavy guitar soli and some sensational breaks). The keyboards are on the background, only "Guest star war" delivers a spectacular synthesizer solo. This track is also one of the higlights, what a sensational heavy guitarplay from JP Louveton and the three guest guitarists featuring splendid guitarplay interplay, propulsive heavy guitar riffs and great soli, from howling and biting to wah-wah drenched, this is GUITAR HEAVEN! But the titletrack has many exciting moments too, it's the most symphonic composition featuring great guitarplay, strong vocals and wonderful keyboards in the compelling final part.

JP Louveton has delivered a captivating solo CD that showcases his great talents on the guitar, from warm acoustic rhythm guitar to heavy propulsive guitar riffs and spectacular fiery and biting soli, RECOMMENDED TO EVERY HEAVY GUITAR AFICIONADO!

Originally released in 2005, what we have here is the third solo album from JPL, released between the third and fourth Nemo albums. JP provides vocals, guitar and bass and he is joined by bandmates Guillaume Fontaine (keyboards) and bassist Lionel B. Guichard (who had just joined Nemo and would appear on the next release) and a few guests. What we have here is a reissue, 20 years on, which has been remixed and partially re-recorded. It contains two versions of "Le Prix de l'Exil" and both the original and new versions of "St Pétrole".

I was not aware of either JP or Nemo when it was originally released, as it was only with being sent a copy of 'Immersion Publique ? Live' and reviewing it in 2006 that I came across them, so this is the first time I have heard this. What is obvious from the off is just how forward the guitars are in the mix, much more than one would normally expect from a prog release, as JPL has obviously been influenced by shredders and has no issue at all in demonstrating is speed, just listen to the blistering "Guest Star War" to see what I mean. Although JP has been included as Crossover on PA, there is no doubt that if this album was the only one listened to by the team he would have been snapped up by Heavy.

But there is much more than just heaviness on this album, but it is quite different from what Nemo were producing so I can see why JP wanted to release this as a solo album as opposed to band. Since discovering his music I have been a big fan of JP and the way he approaches prog from a guitar viewpoint, and while I have not heard the original so cannot say if there are many differences with this version of 'Canibales', what I can say it is great to have this version available as this is guitar-led, symphonic and totally enjoyable prog from beginning to end.