TERPANDRE

Technically intricate and sometimes beautiful, Terpandre's sole album may be a bit too classically oriented for some. It works best when the clinical aspects are given a more emotional infusion, as in "Conte en Vert" and "Musique Pour Clair Obscur", and worst when the sophistication is neutered by somewhat whiny synthesizer sounds, as in the opener "Le Temps", which also features some brass. When they try to rock, they sound a bit like mid period King Crimson, but not nearly as good. The band attempts to achieve a balance within tracks that renders them somewhat schizophrenic, alternating between fuzzy guitars and insistent violins and nearly moribund keyboards and cymbals. Hence you need to be confident enough as a fan to integrate these worlds. While I see the benefits and can enjoy this from time to time, I can't say I ever get the urge.