After 'Lalu' shot resolutely towards modern progressive rock, here is the cosmopolitan formation 'Fish On Friday' in a more conventional style which, after the very good 'Black Rain' dating from 2020, release their 6th studio recording '8mm' in reference to the system of our childhood which was a revolution in the era in the field of amateur video and which takes us back not without nostalgia for those who experienced this era in these first family memories in images. We find this light and refined progressive that we already knew with the previous albums and the same line up led by the singer, keyboardist and producer 'Frank Van Bogaert' is unchanged with 'Nick Beggs' on bass (who plays in multiple projects with, among others, 'Steven Wilson', from 'Lonely Robot' and ' The Mute Gods'), 'Marty Townsend' on guitar and 'Marcus Waymaere' on drums to which we can add the guests 'Lula Beggs' on vocals and 'Theo Travis' on saxophone and flute who were already present in the previous album.
We are greeted by the eponymous title of the album which sets the scene with a first title which unfolds (this is the case with the characteristic noise of the 8mm projector in the background) a very beautiful melody in a melancholic atmosphere, the combined singing of 'Frank Van Bogaert' and 'Nick Gebbs' adding to this feeling of delicacy, then, 'Collateral Dommage' continues in this atmosphere with an accompaniment of acoustic guitar and flute at the end of the title which contributes to this feeling of softness. Follow 'Overture To Flame' and 'Flame which only forms a single title which is a cover of the group 'Metro'. We find in the sung parts the harmonious side of the original version, then, 'Jump This Wall' also shows a more lively side while keeping a rural side brought by the flute of 'Theo Travis'. A little more energetic in the long instrumental introduction, 'Don't Lose Your Spirit' then shows a lighter face thanks to an acoustic then electric guitar accompaniment, the continuation with alternations of tempo highlighting very beautiful vocal harmonies continuing in this sweet atmosphere. Place the seven minutes of 'Funerals' which make it one of my favorite compositions thanks to very beautiful melodic lines, the finale highlighting a magnificent guitar solo, then the last four compositions continue our beautiful journey in gentleness, with everything first 'Silently Raging' in which 'Lula Beggs' brings soothing female vocals, then 'Instillers' and 'A New Home' unfold sweet melodies on which we completely abandon ourselves and the short 'Life Is Like The Weather' ends this album in serenity with a semi-acoustic title with harmonious melodic lines.
In summary, as you will have understood throughout this column, delicacy and softness are the key words of this album which offers us a very beautiful journey that is good to listen to on headphones to relax after a good work day... | |
