Despite two periods of activity at the end of the 80s and in the 2000s which resulted in a separation without any real discographic production (the 'Code Source' mini CD in 2004), the Dutch of 'Signs' reformed in 2018 and have just released their first LP 'Uchronia'. Influenced by the progressive rock of the 70s, they mix different musical landscapes with, in particular, parallels with the 'Floyds' whether in atmospheric parts or more energetic rock sections, the whole being always supported by catchy melodic lines. The menu of this opus is made up of six compositions between 5 and 10 minutes long, which gives good possibilities of developing constructions in several drawers, especially since the first three titles and the last two follow one another without any gaps.
We are welcomed by 'Shadows of the Lesser Gods' which begins calmly with a few piano notes accompanied by synthetic sounds of strings, and which unrolls a first harmonious melody in an atmospheric atmosphere which gradually gains momentum and which then weaves between quiet sections and other more spirited ones, the bass/drums rhythm section leading the dance is very beautiful, the end of the title offering a very beautiful 'Gilmourian' guitar solo. Without transition, the title song 'Uchronia' continues with a more energetic instrumental introduction and then develops a succession of alternation between remarkable tensions and relaxations, protesting voices bringing on several occasions a feeling of revolt and the crescendo of the second part accentuating this sense of urgency. We continue with 'Zero Gravity' which continues in a mixture of neo-progressive and influences drawn from the 70s and, on many occasions, I found certain atmospheres released by the Germans of 'RPWL' with certainly more contrast between sections with saturated guitar riffs and atmospheric passages like this magnificent guitar solo in the middle of the title sandwiched between two energetic sections or this final break which passes from an imposing intensity to a calm and bucolic melody. Follows 'Cryogenic Jetlag' which unrolls a new memorable melody which alternates impetuous parts with other more peaceful ones, then the long development 'The Heretic' takes us into a remarkable labyrinth with multiple nooks and crannies in which we walk through soundscapes very contrasting, and which shows all the talent of this formation to offer us sophisticated and imaginative progressive, the final in crescendo bringing us back to that of 'Uchronia'. And to end this very beautiful album, 'Nigredo' also shows a construction alternating different rhythms and intensities with a peaceful and melancholy first part then, two minutes later, we are embarked on an instrumental section bordering on an explosive hard rock with a lot of riffs sharp, the calm falling then to return to the starting theme in the form of a crescendo with a remarkable guitar solo, the end returning to the softness of the introduction and sound effects which gradually fade.
In summary, the Dutch of 'Signs' finally release an album worthy of the name and offers us progressive with contrasting atmospheres alternating atmospheric sections and other much more energetic which brings a real originality to 'Uchronia' which should make happy all fans of a progressive varied and influenced by different currents of this style... | |
