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NEMO is a French band in the symphonic/prog vein, and
SI PARTIE 1 is their 6th release in a row. They pretty much
follow the modern prog style of many contemporaries, adding
maybe a small helping of fusion, heavy rock and classical
textures. Lyrics are in French. Nemo apparently take some
degree of care in what they're doing, both in the packaging
and in the music. Nice album cover too.***
One thing obvious is that these guys sing in French,
so this may limit Nemo's appeal outside of Europe. I suppose
if the words were in English, they would have been ripe for
a broader market. However, the vocals are handled well, and
for those not concerned about the lyrics being French or vocals
will have plenty to enjoy in the music itself which boasts
some decent instrumentation.***
Another thing must be mentioned is that this record is
called SI PARTIE 1, and the band are supposed to record SI
PARTIE 2 as a follow up, so I assume this is possibly a concept
album of some sort. Maybe they have some trilogy going on.
Not sure.***
the tracks R: DOUCE MORT VIVANT: the first track opens
with some expressive piano and cello-like string sounds for
a cinematic build up before moving into some more heavier
fare with some Jordan Rudess-like keyboards and progs along
for a good 16 minutes and has some decent instrumentation.***
ICI, MAINTENANT: Flower Kings-like piano and reflective
vocals. Dramatic mellow bits and atmospheric heavy ones. Panoramic
musical images. At almost 6 and a half minutes, this is the
shortest track on the album.***
MIROIRS: the previous track segues effortlessly into
this one, a more funkier(for such an outfit) number. Some
really nice tricky keyboard/rhythm section interplay after
the 3 minute mark too.*** SI: slow moody opening before moving
into some heavier riffing and abrasive keys in a more modern
prog-rock setting.***
APPRENTIS SORCIERS: the last track is an epic 20 minute
one which, looking at the title, must be based on the story
of the Sorceror's Apprentice(remember Walt Disney's FANTASIA
with Mickey Mouse and those scary dancing brooms?), but I
may be wrong. I don't understand French lyrics. This one starts
with some of the best instrumentation on the disc including
some nimble bass work and some jazzy piano and tasty guitar
before moving into a more song-based section with slight 'world'
textures. There's plenty more fine instrumentation from there
as well, with an electric piano-driven jam, and an anthemic
closing bit. Wonder what Paul Dukas would have throught of
it.***
NEMO's new release is worth hearing for its instrumental
progginess.***
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