Demian Clav: Adrift

Demian Clav is the creation of Demian Clavreul, who composes, sings lead vocals, plays electric guitar, and keyboards. Other members of the band include: J.C. Wintrebert, on drums, keyboards, and cello; and J.Y. Brard, (Jybat), on bass. The album also includes contributions from the following artists: Raphaelle Guillet, Jessica Farley, and Armelle Darbon, on vocals; Baptiste Brenton, on keyboards; Madeleine Goosens and Patrick Meriau, on violin; Pierre-Entienne Malefond, on guitar; and Cedric Lerouley creating additional sound effects.

Demian Clav from Nantes, France, describes their music as, "Somewhere in between pure melancholia and real darkness." Adrift is the band's third album following Wisteria Lodge, from 2011, and Nightfall Prayers, back in 2009.

Yes the music is dark, and Clavreul's unique vocals help add to the atmospherics, providing intrigue to the darkness emanating from this concept album about the life of German poet Friedrich Hölderlin. The story involves Hölderlin's life before his descent into madness. He is eventually locked in a tower in Tübingen, Germany to protect all concerned. Hölderlin wrote a series of strange poems while in confinement, where he details his transition to his alter ego - Scardanelli.

The music is haunting and extremely unique and that makes it worth the experience. Classical Romantic era themes full of piano and elaborate keyboards make this experience worthwhile. The lead and bass guitar work and drums are well developed and provide just the right mood and ambiance. The cellos and violin add to the dark atmosphere perfectly.

The music at times moves ploddingly along, especially at the beginning. But once it gets going on the second track it moves faster, creating unique and well performed sounds that set it apart from anything you have probably heard before. The story is set in French, but you can follow along with the dramatic special sound effects which fill the soundscape. On "Edelweiss Flight", "The Art – Scattered Surface of the Earth", "Living Sculpture", "All Night Party", and "Slow Boat to Nowhere", Clavreul sings English lyrics.

The piano and keyboard work alone is worth the price of admission to this symphony. Just in time for Halloween, this one will provide a great backdrop or background music for any seasonal parties or gatherings. If you know French you can uncover all of the stories set to lyrics. A unique piece of music, which seems harder and harder to find these days.

Track Listing:

01. Fall
02. Eventyr
03. Holy Road
04. Edelweiss Flight
05. The Art-Scattered Surface of the Earth
06. Living Sculpture
07. All Night Party
08. Slow Boat to Nowhere
09. Annonciation

Added: September 21st 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: demianclav.bandcamp.com/music
Hits: 2235
Language: english

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