Nemo is a French progressive band whose beginnings date back 1999 when Pascal Bertand (drums), Pierre Louveton (guitar, vocals) and Guillaume Fontaine (keyboards) first came together. The early days saw the band go through a few bass players and Bertand was replaced after the first album. Now 8 years and 5 albums later, Louveton and Fontaine are the sole remaining original members with the band being rounded out with drummer JB Itier and bassist Lionel B.Guichard. 2007 sees the band releasing the follow up to last years Si Partie which is titled Si Partie II- L'Homme Idéal which continues the discussions and ideas of genetic manipulation.
The whole disc works as a complete concept piece and can be taken as such or the songs can be seen as separate entities, either way the listener should be prepared to strap in for an adventurous and diverse musical ride. Complex arrangements and dynamic interplay between the musicians, especially some absolutely fantastic moments from Louveton and Fontaine, are on full display throughout. While Itier and Guichard prove to be quite the impressive rhythm section and up for the task at all times here, the spotlight is primarily reserved for Louveton and Fontaine. Louveton's fluid runs, funky rhythm work and precise melodic solos are the perfect match for Fontaine's brilliant work on the keys with the funk, jazz infused workout on the Fender Rhodes in "L'homme Idéal (1) acting as a perfect example of their tight interplay. The epic 10 minute track "Reflets" comes at the halfway point and starts out as a straight forward slow to mid tempo number which gradually builds in tension until the point where Louveton lets an all too brief wah-wah laden solo rip through the mix before the song changes gears. The last 3 minutes sees more funky tradeoffs between Louveton and Fontaine as guest vocalist Sylvia Krauss adds some colorful singing in behind. "Decadanse" features more sparking, gentle keyboard work amidst the muscular riffing until segueing into "Une Question De Prix ( A Question of Price). "Une Question De Temps" (A Question of Time) is up next and is the albums 2nd instrumental piece of music showcasing more of Louveton's blistering guitar work along with an absolutely solid bottom end laid down from Itier and Guichard . One thing which also deserves mention is Louveton's fine vocal work from beginning to end. Although all the lyrics are sung in French, his delivery is spot on and suits the themes and feel of the music perfectly. When the last track "Les Visages Du Monde" (The Faces of the World) has played itself out, it's hard to believe you've been immersed in this magical netherworld for almost 60 minutes.
If you're a fan of today's newer sounding progressive rock and still enjoy the older bands as well, then you'll want to invest putting some quality listening time in with Nemo because this is a band that knows how to successfully bridge the gap between the two.
Track Listing
1) Introduction À La Différence
2) Les Enfants Rois
3) Même Peau, Même Destin
4) L'homme Idéal (1)
5) Reflets
6) Décadanse
7) Une Question De Prix
8) Une Question De Temps
9) L'homme Idéal (2)
10) Les Visages Du Monde
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