GUÉRISON

It's been six years since their debut album "Cycle I" was released, an album I rate extremely high, in fact it's my number two album for 2007. There are a few changes on this one as Benoit Bugeia who was a guest on the debut is now a full-time member, and Nicolas Goulay a former member is now a guest. The female vocalist from the debut has been replaced by a male singer and Benoit Widemann guests on minimoog.

"Cycle II" is a three part suite beginning with light drums and fender rhodes in this laid back and jazzy intro. Some fuzzed out bass joins in then the vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. Love the distorted keys that bring Canterbury to mind. Some backing vocals as well later on in part I. The last two sections are gorgeous with those distorted keys with bass and drums standing out.

"Triptyque" is divided into three main themes and eight total parts. It begins with sounds coming and going and check out the minimoog as the synths sweep in the background. It settles back as the vocals arrive including some backing vocals. A calm with vocal melodies arrives in part III with drums and a wind instrument. I'm reminded of a mellower MAGMA when the vocals come to the fore. Fuzzed out bass late. The second main theme opens with liquid keys and atmosphere as haunting vocal melodies arrive. The guitar cries out ala Gilmour. It picks up some in part II of this suite and it sounds amazing. The vocals stop late in this part as we get organ-like sounds then flute. Beautiful. The third main theme is relaxed as vocal melodies arrive then it builds slowly.

The final main theme is called "Guerison" and is divided into four parts. Random drum patterns and atmosphere to start and it all settles down late in part I. Drums lead the way in part II as keys then vocals join in. Lots of minimoog and vocals before it settles back late in part II. Love the distorted keys in part III, very Canterbury-like. Vocals arrive during the final part but they stop halfway through as it settles.

I'm in the minority for sure in rating the debut higher than this one but I miss those female vocals and the atmosphere that was simply stunning. A very solid 4 stars.