CLANN

1 Firefly opens and puts the SOLSTICE sound in the spotlight, soft and marshmallowy with the violin and the female vocals, flirting with South American jazzy sounds; good but lacking in soul. The guitar solo saves the appearance a bit, but I don't see anything new or innovative for this band I had so much hope for. 2 Life Suit, more jazzy soft melodic fusion; a beautiful ballad like in the 80s or 90s, or even the 70s. Yes, I'm thinking of FLEETWOOD MAC; I'm waiting to find that pearl drop to get going. The mid-tempo variation that follows, with the rise of the reverberating guitar solo, saves the notes; I'm starting to doubt the appeal of the novelty. 3 Plunk, with this synth sampled on a trumpet, becomes repetitive before really getting going, bordering on annoying. The heavy guitar solo, yes, I insist, saves the appearance, but you really have to love this nostalgic atmosphere to take off; Redundant and soporific

4 Frippa for its cinematic intro, its energetic vintage keyboard; we repeat the same pattern and the same flaws afterwards, unfortunately; too bluesy-jazzy and the neo-prog I'm still looking for. The folky violin ambiance to melt, yes, but it lacks the momentum. A neo-keyboard solo contradicts me, voiceover again launching the... guitar solo always enjoyable, Andy hasn't lost any of his energy; go for the violin full of Albion. 5 Twin Peaks for the nostalgic vintage moment, where I dive back into their 1992 album! Sweetness, the bucolic enchantment of this genre apart, flirting between folklore and neo-ambience with the best guitar solo on the album, rich, gripping, a bit like IONA in fact. The vocal, with the marshmallowy hints of FLEETWOOD MAC of yesteryear, is interesting but not stimulating enough. The mid-track break is clearly neo, perhaps Matrix-esque. Yes, I want to escape; in short, from hypnotic psychedelic synth to ethereal vocals, I'm finally taking off. It starts again with a light, buzzing pad, a trendy bolero launching the final, overwhelming chorus. Phew, finally, the synth outro really reassures me.

6 Earthsong (Bonus CD) for the rehash of the track "Silent Dance" from the first album. The title track is too sugary and sticks, preventing me from taking off; a consensual tune without spark, far too melodic and predictable, a shame.

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