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: : Hamadryad - Safe In
Conformity : : |
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Band/Artist
Hamadryad
Title:
Safe in Conformity
Released
2005
Label
Unicorn Records |
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Track
Listing:
1. Anatomy of a Dream
2. Sparks and Benign Music
3. Self Made Men
4. Gentle Landslide
5. 24
6. Frail Purpose
7. Sunburnt
8. One Voice
9. Polaroid Vendetta
10. Alien Spheres
11. Omnipresent Umbra |
: : The Players : :
Denis Jalbert
Electric & Acoustic guitars | Jean-Francois Desilets Bass guitar, lead
and Backing vocals | Yves Jalbert Drums & Percussion | Francis Doucet
Hammond, Mellotron, MiniMoog, etc. |
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: :
Safe In Conformity : :
Okay, I admit it, I love this CD. I loved their
first release but this new one is far superior if for no other reason
than it has a much more classic prog feel while all the while being
fresh and new.
The vocals are now handled by Jean-Francois Desilets, as Jocelyn
Beaulieu has exited the band. This is a pretty significant change as Mr.
Desilets has an eerily similar voice to Peter Gabriel which Mr. Beaulieu
did not. But exactly when you think it’s PG, he slips into a slight
change that reminds one of Fish in songs like “Three Boats Down From the
Candy” I say that with all the heart felt praise I can muster. And the
vocals are not dead on PG or even Fish clones but similar enough to make
you take notice all the while mixed in with the most excellent of music.
Denis’s guitar work also reminds one of the most excellent Steve Hackett
but again not as a straight rip off. His “touch” is soft and clear and
yet you never come away thinking that you’ve heard this all before.
Yves Jalbert’s drum work is so smooth and precise, even to the point of
reminding one of the work the famed Mr. Phil Collins pulled off in that
little band named Genesis. I realize it sounds like I’m describing a
modern day Genesis rip off band but in fact the similarities are just
tasteful hints of Genesis that feed my musical ‘jones’ for this type of
music.
And just when you think you’ve got these guys figured out they throw in
a little short ditty “One Voice” that rocks! Ripping guitars, drum
rolls, double kick bass, heavy bass line; well I think you get my point.
Up to this song these guys had remained pretty mellow and the songs came
across as introspective and at times melancholy but not this tune. The
funny thing about “One Voice” is that it flows unabridged into the next
song and you do not realize it has happened unless you notice the track
number change. That next song “Polaroid Vendetta” continues the more
rock theme introduced in One Voice.
Ah but just as
quickly “Polaroid Vendetta” becomes “Alien Spheres” which returns to the
mood and feel of the first half of this CD. This is a chill bump
producing song that is full of mellotron and other synths that take the
listener on a most gentle flight much like being inside an Alien sphere.
Most of the songs are less than 6 minutes but the CD is concluded by
“Omnipresent Umbra” which at over 11 minutes long would be considered
this album’s required prog epic. And it puts the icing on Hamadryad’s
musical cake as this song is by far the best on the CD. Nothing like
saving the best for last.
A truly great band, an excellent CD, so you should buy this for yourself
or give it as a gift, just do not hesitate for missing even one day of
listening to this powerful CD is a day lost and you can never get it
back!
Rating: 9.5 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Conservation Of Mass - 2001
Safe In Conformity - 2005 |
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