You would have to call the debut from France's delusion squared a very ambitious effort. This progressive rock band combines the multi instrumental artists Steve Francis and Emmanuel de Saint Meen with female vocalist Lorraine Young in this sci-fi concept disc that is one of the better releases I have heard this year. Musically this is an album that most prog rock fans will revel in. The weak link if you want to call it that is the thin, wispy vocals of Miss Young. She has a unique quality that oozes sweetness and innocence but her limited range and similar type of delivery for a good portion of the disc gets a little worn out by the end.
She does manage to give some life to songs like "Copyrighted Genes" which for some reason reminds me of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the haunting album closer "A Creation Myth" but on heavier songs like "The Betrayal" I think she needs to get a little grit in her delivery. She does hold her own on the more metal tune "Rebirth" but this is the exception to the rule.
Don't get me wrong, Lorraine is a fine vocalist but she has a tone that reminds me of the late 60's hippie types such as Melanie or even the falsetto singing of Minnie Ripperton. It is not what I would call a progressive metal voice and for this sci-fi concept disc I think she would have been better in smaller doses when the music demands a little more emphasis.
The music on this disc is outstanding. The pair of musicians that concocted this album has amazing talent and they use it to perfection on this album. The instrumental track "By The Lake (Mourning)" is a beautiful song which highlights the keyboards and shows the ability within this band. It is not the only spot that makes me want to hear these guys though. They have created a futuristic world musically upon which they tell their tale and do so in a most dynamic way. Stirring acoustic work along with searing electric moments and superb keyboards all blend together to make this a very enjoyable album.
Other than the problems that I already mentioned, this is a very good album. I have listened to it quite a few times now and each time it gets better and better. There is a bright future for them and I will be anxious to see if they take it to the next level with their sophomore release.
Track listing:
1. The Very Day
2. In My Time Of Dying
3. Copyrighted Genes
4. The Betrayal
5. Sentenced
6. By The Lake (Mourning)
7. By The Lake (Seeding)
8. Rebirth
9. What We Will Be
10. The Departure
11. A Creation Myth
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
