NÉODYME

The Quebec region produced some good bands even in the recent years and one of them is Neodyme, started as a duo by drummer Daniel Giguere and keyboardist Maryse Pepin in 2006.At the fall of 2007 they were joined by guitarist Alexandre ''Ron'' Champagne and the trio entered the studio to record its debut.During the mastering process the circle was completed with the addition of bassist Mathieu Boucher, eventually transforming Neodyme from simply a studio project to a once-in-a-while live band.The debut ''Ensemble derriere la lune'' saw the light in 2008.

Neodyme's music is as eclectic as it can get with the four musicians showing talents on composition, flexibility and technique in an album filled with unrelated nuances and different colors.''Ensemble derriere la lune'' contains hints of Heavy Prog, Jazz-Fusion, Symphonic Rock and even Avant Prog, but the group seems to have placed these elements in order.The first half of the release contains the more melodic moments created by the group with strong Heavy-Fusion and symphonic tendencies, like if PORCUPINE TREE met NATHAN MAHL, in good arrangements, characterized by melodic solos, really strong piano parts and sharp synthesizers in a cohesive instrumental collaboration.As the album unfolds, the music becomes more sinister.There are more evident references to the complex Prog of KING CRIMSON, the keyboard/organ passages have a really dark approach and the guitars become heavier.Trully atmospheric music with a fair dose of technique and interplays among the powerful grooves and the haunting mood delivered by the group.As aforementioned, there are even blinks on more Avant-Garde soundscapes with long and melancholic piano themes and more abstract textures with a rich sound.

This Canadian act is definitely one to keep an eye on.Really accomplished musicians with a unique composing ability, maybe unique enough to even offer a future masterpiece.''Ensemble derriere la lune'' is a very good debut for all fans of instrumental Progressive Rock.