The Green Violinist: More Thrill & Never Ending Blessings (2013)
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Published: April 29, 2013
Published: April 29, 2013
This
Belgian progressive-rock outfit's debut frames its moniker on the title of
artist Marc Chagall's The
Green Violinist. Lead vocalist Vincent Dufresne derived inspiration from
the painting after wading through some personal issues in 2003. The artist
states that upon hearing the Canadian punk/post-rock band Silver Mount Zion's
"13 Angels Standing Guard 'Round the Side of Your Bed," coupled with his initial
viewing of the Chagall piece, ..."created a moment of pure delight." Otherwise,
many of these works are built on medium-tempo and thrusting progressive-rock
stylizations, although some of the lyricism intimates a good deal of lament,
paralleling life's unfortunate circumstances.
Dufresne's
vocal delivery is a tad reminiscent of Greg Lake's majestic and profound singing
during his stint with the original, 1969 King Crimson lineup. Otherwise, this
ensemble projects a big sound, partially set within emphatic prog-rock balladry
atop steady and blossoming grooves amid a few thorny time signatures and
harmonious themes. On "Velvet Road," the band uncannily entwines a vintage folk,
protest song type aura via Dufresne's resonating and purposeful vocalizations to
complement other regions of sound, where souped-up electric-folk sensibilities
delicately underscore the weightier moments.
At
times the ensemble bridges a psychedelic aura into the schematics, tinted with
catchy riffs and ethereal, space-rock applications. Through it all, the
musicians maintain a distinct group persona, enamored by the vocalist's
commanding musical presence. However, many of the assumed influences and
treatments partly emanate from an imaginative stance and may not be directly
related to the artists' intent.
"Human
Connection" contains a retro acoustic-electric folk narrative, treated with
effects. Whereas, "Bad Inheritance (A Song to Cure)" is a slow-tempo regal
rocker, featuring spoken word and what appears to be spacey synth treatments or
perhaps drummer Gabriel Peeters' programming mechanisms. Ultimately, this unit
morphs a prolific artistic element into its scope. In a certain way, listening
to this album is akin to experiencing déjà vu, yet it's wholly evident that the
musicians morph the old and the new into an idiosyncratic approach.
Track
Listing: The Great Scapegoat Seeking; Velvet Road; Shy People; Do Worry Be Sad;
Human Connection; Any Words You Say Won't Be Enough; Bad Inheritance (A Song To
Cure).
Personnel:
Vincent Dufresne: vocals and acoustic guitar; Regis Planque: bass; Gabriel
Peeters: drums, electronic drums & programming; Raphael Bresler: electric
guitar; Emilie Laclais: backing vocals; Mathieu Vandermolen: electric
guitar.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
 | More Thrill and Never Ending Blessings CD - £9.99 |
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