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Review:
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Switzerland is producing some outstanding bands at
the moment, Lunatica, Rizon, and Chapter II to name but
a few, and now we can add symphonic metallers Trophallaxy
to that illustrious roll call. Leading lady Joëlle Graz
has a light slightly folky voice with a touch of classical
and jazz that brings to mind Marjolaine Bernard of Wildpath
and Flora Spinelli from Kerion. Indeed the first track ‘Beautiful
Autumn Day’ also reminds me of those fine French bands,
soft flurrying up-tempo symphonic power metal. In fact as
I carry on through the album I find that this is one of
the lightest power metal albums I have ever heard thanks
to the lightness of touch shown in the excellent professional
production by Jean-Michel Hugon and Yannick Rey’s soft warm
fuzzy rhythm sound. The tag subtly symphonic power rock
would be a more appropriate description. There is an increasing
tendency for bands to shovel it on by the bucket load, creating
a cacophonous wall of noise so tumultuous you can’t hear
yourself think, Revamp and Star 1 being recent examples,
it’s OK in small doses but it soon becomes exhausting. Trophallaxy
are the total opposite, all the musicians are clearly audible
and don’t have to fight to be heard, bassist Valentin Magnenat
has the space to do some pretty nifty work instead of simply
providing a stereotypical rumbling boom, just listen to
his solo on the delightful ‘The Haven’, and the whole album
has an easy on the ear, laid back vibe, that’s very refreshing
and different. Less really can be more. The main beneficiary
is Joëlle who doesn’t have to scream over a racket, you
can hear the timbre and every nuance of her lovely voice.
The song titles and lyrics, like ‘Dawn’ (one of the heavier
numbers, live video on the Female Voices Blog), ‘Dreamcatcher’
with its super melody, and the jolly ‘Light the Sun’, also
reflect this more tender tone. Keyboardist and main composer
Jonathan Pelley is credited with growls, but before you
dive behind the couch in terror, he pipes up very very rarely
and it’s very mild. The songs are full of super instrumental
touches and flourishes with Joëlle contributing some cello,
and the whole album is up-beat, catchy, playful, highly
melodious, but occasionally melancholic, like the charming
ballad with the very apt title ‘Listening to the Rain’.
If you always thought that power metal was fast and furious,
thundering and thumping, full of bluster and bombast, then
give this a try, it will appeal to a far wider range of
rock and metal fans than just the sword waving fraternity
(and I’m a fully paid up member), the Rainbow esque ‘Rock
the World’ being a perfect example. Their Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/trophallaxy
where you can find out how to acquire this gem before
dawn fall, an invigorating 8.75 out of 10.
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