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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Nemo

Les Enfants Rois

Review by Josh Turner

This progressive rock is awfully poppy. Still, the apocalyptic cover and radioactive avatar contradict the accessibility of these tracks. Aside from a controlled volatility, its crunchy aftermath is easy to swallow once its starchy innards explode. Still, it’s a far cry from a microwavable, prepackaged snack. Then again, this exotic product is imported from France.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2009  Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Les Enfants Rois
In the title track and opener, the keyboards penetrate the layers like fish jumping out of water. It’s what you’d get if you crossed Kevin Gilbert with punk. While this hybrid’s melodic and undulant with an underlying emphasis on electrical current, the outer hull is relatively rigid and impervious to moisture. Also, the singer uses falsetto in excess; making it reminiscent of The Darkness.
Diary of a Madman
When it comes to finding Nemo, they’re easier to listen to than comprehend. Making a comparison is hard, because they swim in and out of genres. While the first was optimistic and upbeat, this is closer to Anekdoten or Transiberian Orchestra. For the record, it’s noted that this was inspired by Ozzy Osbourne’s song of the same name. While track numero uno was in French, they stay true to the original and sing this in the Prince of Darkness’ native tongue.
Touche – Coule
Not to be confused with a mystery film directed by David Lynch, this has Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” written all over it. While it won’t be a cult classic anytime soon, it should appeal to neophytes who have recently entered into the realm of neo-prog. What makes it eccentric is the fact that it’s strictly instrumental. Even so, the absence of an accent and zero foreign words ensure that nothing is lost in translation.
  
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