SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIÈME SAISON

Those expecting symphonic prog along the likes of the giants of the genre will be in for a big surprise when listening to Harmonium's "Fifth Season"-themed concept album, steeped as it is in gentle, intimate, acoustic folk. After opening with the comparatively straight-ahead folk number Vert and the trad jazz-tinged Dixie, the band move into progressively more progressive territory with each successive song, with the final song - Histoires Sans Paroles, representing the imaginary fifth season - applying symphonic prog song structures to the band's music.

Although I can't in good conscience give this one five stars due to the presence of Dixie - a weak song whose descend into imitation Dixieland jazz doesn't really suit the mood of the album - I can concur with the general consensus that regardless of whether you come to it from a prog folk or a symphonic perspective, Cinquieme Saison is a charming and beautiful album which manages to be delicate and intimate without becoming hokey or cheesy.