'Celestial Burst' is a French project (hey, it was quite a while since I had not reviewed a group from France) created by 'Alexis Lustenberger' and who called on other artists with, among others, the singer 'Kenza Laala', for his debut EP 'The Maze'. Certainly, the distinguished guest 'Anneke Van Giersbergen' who is well known in the progressive world with for example his collaboration with 'Arjen Anthony Lucassen' in 'The Gentle Storm' and who regularly participates in the great productions of the Dutch like ' Electric Castle Live And Other Tales' but who oddly was not part of the last cast of 'Transitus' adds a little more curiosity to this short opus which offers us 5 compositions for 31 minutes of listening.
'Obedience' opens the ball in a 'Floydian' atmosphere with a slow melody which makes us discover the beautiful sensual and captivating voice of 'Kenza Laala', then the eponymous title of the album brings a greater variety which make it a progressive title alternating calm passages with other more intense ones and very beautiful instrumental passages always in the movement of 'Floyds', the version of the album being the one sung by 'Kenza Laala' and you can find the version by 'Anneke Van Giersbergen' on spotify in the single 'The Maze'. Then comes 'First Flight' which is the 2nd long development of about 8 minutes which hardens the tone in the first part by merging more aggressive guitar riffs and quieter sung parts, this rivalry between the power of the instruments and the sensuality of the singing of 'Kenza Laala' working wonderfully, the second part returning to a quieter style before a part of sound effects bringing the final much more tormented, then we return to a much more serene atmosphere with the beginning of 'The place where I'm supposed to be' which gains momentum in a second time with oriental sounds then with muscular rock, Kenza showing two facets, sometimes sensual and sometimes powerful in its singing. 'Anna' closes the EP by returning to a more classic title in a cozy atmosphere, the acoustic guitar bringing a restful sweetness and 'Kenza Laala' making a last beautiful vocal performance filled with emotion thanks to a heady melody that never leaves you.
In summary, this troubled period offers us very beautiful moments of relaxation and the French of 'Celestial Burst' are still a good example with the release of their first EP 'The Maze', admittedly short but very pleasant to listen to and which offers us a relaxing progressive rock to enjoy quietly with headphones... | |
