AMNÉSIE

Since this French band will open the concert of Riverside in my home country in December, I decided to have a look at it. Pure curiosity. Don't expect out of the world lyrics like several other bands from France. They aren't weak but rather conventional. This album is hard to catalogue: from complex French chanson with an undeniable charm which is mainly due to the good percussion work ("Naïf", and "Naïf 2").

The music from this album is very close to world music, mainly due to the origin of some rare instruments that are used. Still, this characteristic is also saving some tracks to be just average ("Un Automne" for example which features some fine marimba).

Several tracks sounds very much Middle-Eastern ("Chansons Nettes", "Rien D' Important" or"Merci") but none of them can really be considered as great songs.

One of my favourite song from this album is "Mal De Chien". It is a nice symphonic ballad, which features again some smooth marimba (this instrument is widely used on this album) and a powerful and dark second half.

There is a live track available as well. Again the Eastern influences during "Nos Voix Se Mélangent" is present. The chorus though is very catchy and emotional, and in terms of "voix" (voice), the lead singer is performing quite well here. The crescendo finale is pretty bombastic and very effective. It is another highlight here.

The band is also exploring almost each season of the year. "Un Hiver" features great percussion, but the overall mood sounds too much the same at this time of the recording. Press next to avoid the spring "Un Printemps". These tracks belong to the weaker part of the album (including "Un Eté").

The most Crimsonesque song is by no doubt the dark "L' Impasse". The second half is particulary imposing but this seems to be a trade mark with Lazuli. A very good track.

"Amnésie" is hard to apprehend and requires a few listening to get into. But to be honest, I'm not a great fan of this world music oriented genre. I would say that this album is average. Five out of ten?