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LONELINESS
Tracklist
Dawn (5.10); Rain On The Moon (7.44); The Brook (11.21);
Loneliness (4.09); The Story Of Nobody (17.53); Dusk (4.20)
LINEUP
René Degoumois : Vocals & guitars
Nicolas Gerber : Keyboards
Julien Vuataz : Bass
Patrick Dufresne : Drums
REVIEW
When thinking of Progressive Rock band's around the world I have to be honest an say, without intending any disrespect, that Switzerland is not one of the first countries that comes to mind and I suspect this will be
the same for many of our readers. Consequently 'Dawn' may well be a band that are new to you, but the good news is you are at least in the loop now!
The band are a four piece outfit whose music is broadly progressive but with a degree of crossover into the classic rock style.
The music has clear influences that hark back to the seventies and early eighties, but at the same time the production is modern and the composition very much their own. Although a relatively young band, they produce a rich sound blending smooth guitar work with beautiful keyboard work which is not afraid to make full use of Synths and Mellotron, with a slick rhythym section of bass and drums that really keeps everything fluid. Vocals, provided by guitarist René Degoumois are crisp and clear and add punch to the already rich musical soundscape.
'Loneliness' is the bands first album release and has been self produced, but don't be deceived for a moment that this is anything but a quality work.
The album opens with the track 'Dawn', which sets the tone well and seems fairly representative of what the band are all about. This is a solid upbeat number, with strong bass line and some really superb
keyboard touches which are at times reminiscent of Tim Blake (Hawkwind) at times.
Alternating between huge upswells punctuated by periods of relative calm, this track is really very uplifting and a joy to listen to.
Next up we have 'Rain on the Moon' - here by contrast to the first track the guitar line is allowed to really sing out, and although the keyboards are ever present in the mix, the focus remains firmly on the guitar
work. The track constantly develops and builds upon itself as it progresses and the Use of piano at key points helps fill out the texture making for another effortless, smooth flowing number.
'The Brook', which is a much longer piece with a run time of just over the eleven minute mark, comes next. The opening of this number has a distinctly harsh, metallic quality and is certainly a little avant
garde, borrowing perhaps from the King Crimson school. Once the music proper starts the mood initially remians somewhat discordant creating a very uneasy atmosphere, and things stay in pretty much this manner
until around the midway point where things start to open out a little.
From here on the track is punctuated by powerful keyboard runs that stylistically at least take a little from the Genesis sound, and which again create a very uplifting and dnamic sound. Not one of the easiest tracks on the album to get into on a first hearing, but with subsequent listens the rewards are their for the taking as the piece comes into it's own as you get more familiar with it.
'Loneliness' is built around the main vocal melody which has a slightly melancholic edge as perhaps if fitting in view of the title of the track. Again one is reminded more than a little of King Crimson here,
something which I should add is intended as nothing other than a compliment!
'The Story of Nobody' is the major work on the album, running as it does just shy of the eighteen minute mark.
This is a really fine number which encompasses everything progressive fans would expect from an such an epic track. Lots of changes in mood, direction and pace with the keyboards as ever serving as the driving force. That said other key points for me are the superb use of bass and the excellent vocal work that is really well suited to this style of song.
Just as 'Dawn' started the album, affairs are fittingly brought to a conclusion with 'Dusk'.
A simple repeating piano pattern with vocal overlay gets things underway setting a slow and gentle pace for this number. While there is a gradual build up once more as the track progresses, things are kept fairly restrained and laid back. No big finish here, but then, I really feel none is needed.
All things considered this is a remarkably mature opening album for 'Dawn' and for me at any rate it contains little, if anything, that fails to please.
I sincerely hope that Dawn will be able to maintain the impressive form they have shown on this, their first album, and I for one look forward to more and better things to come.
If there is such a thing as justice in the world, then Dawn are certainly destined to become a well known name in the years ahead.
Simon May 4th 2008
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