SOUVENIRS D'UN AUTRE MONDE

''Souvenirs D'Un Autre Monde'' is basically a one-man project by a chap called Neige who, with the exception of some guest vocals on one song, does everything on the album. It's an innocuous collection of tranquil and relaxed grooves, although there's little in the way of melodic interest. There's not much variety either, as all the songs are underscored with droning fuzzed guitars. Apart from the occasional semi-acoustic arpeggio or 3-note lead guitar motif, there really doesn't seem to be much happening. If I was being hypercritical I might even describe it as monotonous and languid, although I love Neige's mellow voice. I recently read a review of an Explosions In The Sky album here on ProgArchives and that review could easily have been written about this Alcest album. The thing is, I had missed the point that this type of music is intended to build to an ''hypnotic climax''. That makes sense because the final track, ''Tir Nan Og'', does sound different and releases the tension that has gradually built throughout the remainder of the album. OK, I understand and it does make for a pleasant listen, but it's just lacking in a bit of lustre for me.