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Review:
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My first musical experience with Nemo was a few months
after the release of their second album entitled Présages
(2003), I was blown away by their dynamic and varied blend
of several styles, topped with the slightly theatrical French
vocals. Meanwhile I have become a huge fan and, apart from
Si Partie I (a bit too experimental and fragmentic in my
opinion), on every album you can notice progression, new
ideas and more and more an own, very unique progrock sound.
So I was very curious to this new effort, high expectations!
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Well, I quickly got excited, very excited and after
a few listening sessions I already took the conclusion that
Nemo has delivered their best album and I will tell you
why I am that euphoric about Barbares. My main conclusion
is that on this new CD Nemo sounds very well balanced, there
is a great ‘flow’ in the compositions and the band even
sound pretty accessible for ‘Nemo standards’, despite the
frequent shiftings moods, many breaks and huge variety.
But I also would like to emphasize that three elements are
on a level I have never heard on previous albums. First
the interplay between the guitar and keyboards: both musicians
are founding members, have played together for many years
and on Barbares their musical understanding is mighty close
to identical twins, amazing how they follow, challenge and
stimulate each other, this gives a captivating and often
exciting extra dimension to the music. Second the way JPL
uses the vocals, it has become an instrument in the sound
of Nemo and colours the music with a very special flavor,
slightly theatrical and often with strong expressive undertones.
An third ‘captain’ JPL his abilities to drive the music
with his powerful and varied guitarwork, from biting wah-wah
drenched runs or fat guitar riffs to funky rhythm-guitar
and sensitive solos (fueled by an outstanding, very flowing
and adventurous rhythm-section).
My highlights on Barbares are the early Eighies Rush
inspired Ldi (awesome interplay, exciting guitarwork, great
dynamics and a very surprising break), the great tension
between the powerful drums/prog metal riffs and acoustic
rhythm-guitar/piano, embellished with passionate vocals
in 19.59, a swinging rhythm with bombastic organ and wah-wah
guitar in Faux Semolancs and the magnum opus Barbares (25
minutes) that presents Nemo at their best featuring spectacular
synthesizer flights, exciting interplay between guitar and
keyboards, lots of great changing climates and some strong
musical ideas like the blend of an acoustic guitar solo,
tin-whistle and sparkling piano into the music, culminating
in a compelling grand finale, what a band! The bonus disc
(500 copies limited edition) is a live registration from
2007, you can enjoy their great power and dynamics with
lots of awesome solo work on guitar and keyboards, strong
interplay and a captivating live atmosphere, this is a perfect
way to experience Nemo on stage, unfortunately I miss the
song Une Question De Temps, one of the highlights of their
Progfarm 2008 Festival gig I witnessed a few months ago.
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Despite the language gap, during the years Nemo has
made more and more friends, I hope the CD Barbares will
be their breakthrough to a wider audience, they fully deserve
it, what a splendid effort!
www.progwalhalla.com
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