Progressive rock is not especially a French specialty, but there are some groups that stand out from the crowd and 'Esthesis' which started with a first EP 'Raising Hands' returns with a first LP 'The Awakening' released in mid-November and . Initiated by the multi-instrumentalist 'Aurélien Goude', they offer us a calm progressive rock with slow tempos influenced by different eras starting of course with 'Pink-Floyd' but also I could mention formations which released albums this year and who give off the same atmospheres, like the German multi-instrumentalist 'Thorsten Sudler-Mainz', the Norwegians of 'Airbag', the Germans from 'starfish64', the Norwegians from 'Gazpacho' or the inevitable 'Steven Wilson' with his project 'Blackfield' (upcoming review of his latest album).
On the menu, 6 compositions which which are almost all long developments because 5 exceed 8 minutes and it is with the densest composition 'Downstream' that the album begins in a quiet atmosphere, the slow tempo accompanying us throughout the title, alternating beautiful vocal parts of 'Aurélien Goude' and long instrumental sections embellished with remarkable guitar solos and a piano accompaniment which amplifies the sensation of softness. With 'No Soul to Sell' which follows, the tempo remains measured and keeps an atmospheric ambiance but highlights saturated guitar riffs in certain passages bringing some variety, then, 'High Tide' is certainly the most progressive track with rhythmic variations and intensity on the whole of the title allowing instrumental sections of any beauty (magnificent final guitar solo very 'Floydien') which makes for me my favorite of the album. Follows 'Chameleon' which begins in a jerky rhythm with a magnificent Hispanic accompaniment on the acoustic guitar and which leaves a great place for instrumental peregrinations with aerial keyboards mixing East and West, the final in crescendo highlighting this time sounds of Hammond organ, then, the eponymous title of the album, entirely instrumental with its repetitive arpeggios, takes us into a music conducive to relaxation and it is with 'Still Far to Go', in which we let ourselves be lulled one last time by beautiful melodic lines that the album ends in a very calm way.
In summary, the French of 'Esthesis' offer us a very beautiful album which is revealed little by little and which is to be enjoyed calmly with headphones, which intends 'The Awakening' to a public loving the atmospheric side of the 'Floyds' with subtle melodies that are easily tamed... | |
