'Nine Skies' is a French progressive rock formation which released two studio recordings 'Return Home' in 2017 and 'Sweethearts Grips' in 2019 and 2021 saw the release a few months ago of a new opus '5.20' which highlights the acoustic side of the group with calm atmospheres conducive to escape and dream that we really need during all this troubled period. We are therefore immersed in compositions mostly accompanied by acoustic guitar, strings and piano, and the French have expanded their line-up since 'Achraf Elasraoui' completes the vocal section and brings a kind of "delicate warmth" to this latest album.
'Colourblind' sets the scene in a tranquil atmosphere with soft arpeggios of acoustic guitar and with a very expressive vocals from 'Achraf Elasraoui', the aerial finale highlighting a 'Floydian' saxophone, then, 'Wilderness' accelerates the pace with 'Steve Hackett' invited for the occasion bringing a delicacy thanks to his inimitable touch. Follows the short instrumental 'Beauty of Decay' which joins the acoustic guitar moods of 'Under A Mediterranean Sky' that 'Steve Hackett' released in early 2021, then, 'Golden Drops' continues this beautiful journey with a superb vocal performance by 'Achraf Elasraoui' which modulates its singing in the oriental way and with superb instrumental arrangements whether at the level of the strings bringing this total change of scenery which transports us to a sort of unreal atmosphere. With 'Above the Tide', we continue our journey with a new title filled with emotion, this time with a remarkable crescendo in the second part highlighting the vocal duo 'Alienor Favier'/'Achraf Elasraoui', the strings bringing a extraordinary strength to the whole, the final falling in some arpeggios of acoustic guitar accompanied by the softness of the violin. New acoustic instrumental prank with 'Dear Mind' bringing a new break of sweetness, then, 'The Old Man in the Snow' is a beautiful acoustic ballad filled with delicacy in which final of 'John Hackett' with his flute is simply sublime. Follows 'Godless Land' with a more complex structure to tame but which shows all the vocal talent of 'Achraf Elasraoui' which conveys a real emotion, then, 'Porcelain Hill' is a new melancholy ballad sublimated by a magnificent interpretation of 'Damian Wilson' who is became in 2020 the new singer of 'Arena' replacing 'Paul Manzi'. New entirely instrumental piece, this time for piano, 'Achristas' is makes us wander the mind to the rhythm of a sweet melody with very beautiful rhythmic variations, then, 'Smiling Stars' ends this very beautiful album on a new composition more intimate unrolling a slow melody with a last very sensual saxophone solo which sums up the atmosphere of the whole.
In summary, this new album from the French of 'Nine Skies' shows a more refined face compared to their previous productions but just as endearing because '5.20' takes us on a beautiful dreamlike and exotic journey made of magnificent compositions that are quietly enjoy the headphones on their ears... | |
