Review Summary: All bands long for an album as masterful as Souvenirs d'un autre Monde. This is the best album to come out this year.
For however many of you that have listened to the mantle by
Agalloch, I have one question for you; did you ever find yourself at a loss for music to listen to because everything sounded inferior? I know this happened to me, so I began my search for something to end this loss. Then, I find Alcest. I went on his myspace site to hear some of his songs, click on the title track of the new cd.
Holy, Holy ***.
I was mystified. That song was a masterpiece, it just seemed so perfect. The haunting vocals, the eerie tremolo picking, the beautiful acoustic guitar picking its notes without hesitation or wasting time at all, to create a sound that is both otherworldly, but feels like a distant memory.
Speaking of a distant memory, the album is supposed to be about a "fairyworld" and the feelings of freedom and innocence of being a child. Now before you go, "OmGz, tahtz teh Ub3r gh3yn3s5!!!!" realize that they are all sung in French. They would still probably sound great in English though, because they fit the grand atmosphere perfectly.
As for the instruments, they each add unto their own. Neige is the sole member of this project (with the exception of guest female vocals) and he does a damn fine job, not for a solo act, but for any band. Sure, he does not play gravity blasts or sweep picks, however, his song writing is top notch, akin again to
Agalloch. The acoustic guitar gives off a happy sort of feeling while the distorted guitar describes what Neige is saying in such a way, it sends a chill down your spine. The drums do a good job of giving off a calm feeling.
Each of the tracks usually range from 5-7 minutes, however none ever seem to drag. Quite the opposite really. Like childhood itself, you will look back at those songs longing for more.
The one complaint I have heard about this album is that its a little repetitive, but honestly, I don't see it. It's less repetitive than the Mantle, in my oppinion.
It's quite amazing how one man can craft such a masterpiece. It is so hard to describe this album with words, but it just keeps coming back to beautiful. You must get this album, you will listen to it over and over again. Album of the year? You bet!
Pros:
Absolutely brilliant songwriting
Atmospheric as hell
High replayability
Cons
You will want more :)
Fans of
Agalloch, Old
Ulver, and
Drudkh will instantly love this while everyone else should give it a couple of listens before it truly sinks in.
5/5
