Contrary to popular opinion vehiculated by many neophyte listeners discovering prog, our beloved genre does not limit itself to exploring only science-fiction, Tolkienesque tales, historical figures or deep philosophical topics. More often than not, the human condition plays an even larger role, as far as sources of inspiration, which explains the existence of a huge genre known as the blues. Classic themes such as love are also the focus of a plethora of neo-prog bands in particular, so it should not come as a surprise, that coping with death of a loved one can also be a source of profound reflection. On the 2006 the Pineapple Thief recording “Little Man”, Bruce Soord dealt with the only possible outlet for his pain of tragically losing a newborn child, in a most eloquent musical utterance.
Anne-Claire Rallo was (and still is) in a profound relationship with musician Eric Bouillette who passed away in 2022. There is no book or manual that one can find comfort in dealing with the passing of a lover or relative. It is a deeply personal and often harrowing introspection that can force many tears of anguish as well as endless memories of laughter and joy, each individual learning to cope on the fly. “C’est la vie” sang Greg Lake once, long ago. The way I see it, and found serenity with the concept of loss, is that I choose to focus on the fact that this person has now become eternal. Anne-Claire keeps busy with her Bad Dog Promotions company, as well as forging onwards with Nine Skies, who last year released the splendid “The Lightmaker”.
Frant1c is her new vehicle for conveying a fictional tale of two life partners, Charlie and Hope, who wake up one morning to a new and gruesome reality of a ruined and ravaged planet, somehow attempting to survive the pain and horror of starting perhaps from scratch. Its an easy parallel to the inner turmoil that a grieving person carries within them every day forward. Though many Nine Skies collaborators are on board, namely bassist Alexis Bietti, and Johnny Marter on the drum kit, as well as multi-instrumentalist Alexandre Lamia, Anne-Claire has also invited Martin Wilson (Grey Lady Down and the Room) and Helen Tiron (Sun Q) to handle the two main protagonist’ microphones.
Bookended by the obligatory prog standard of Prologue and Epilogue, the album sets off on a deeply melancholic ride that will sail through many sonic rivers, lakes and oceans, before finding the eventual “A New Path”. Atmospheric colorations highlighted by sublime piano playing, “The Awakening” raises the torn velvet curtain of a new reality and search for survival. With the moving and dramatic “Come Back to Earth”, Martin Wilson delivers a booming performance, with Guy Marro in the chorus and Eric handling the backing vocals, as the crying synths swirl in devastated confusion. As perfectly stated by Lazland on his recent review, the stage is set on “People in their Cages” for a sharp rebuke of the current abyss of endless fact-less and opinion-peddling by ‘experts’ who are nothing more that agenda hawkers of both, if not all stripes, exploring human gullibility by suggesting not to even take the time to verify alternate or opposing sources. A court with only prosecution and no defence! Why need a judge then? Devastated society indeed.
“Where Have You Been “is a glinting track, flush with sullen, sulky and silky vibes, not far from Floydian expanses, what with the impassioned vocals, the synthesized eddies and a furious sax exposure from Laurent Benhamou. Killer track and first single. Perfect setup for the epicentre marathon piece “The Ballad of Peggy Pratt”, a 13 minute+ theatrical essay of progressive rock of the highest calibre, telling a tragic story of a genial talent that is self-destructive and bent on catastrophe. The swaying sonics veer from intense to downright raging, forged by some layered and aggressive guitar rants that heighten the ruthless apprehension, to only be reduced to calm serenity by a deeply reflective piano etude. Wilson emotes profoundly, pain effectively depicted in the slightest intonations, ‘Paris calls, Moulin Rouge, forgotten soul’. The shimmering lament of the electric guitar shines a thin streak of light (hope?) on a broken heart and a shattered mind. A brilliant extended solo and a number that deserves to be heard by all.
A powerful continuation on “Sweet Confusion” features Eric’s recorded violin, a labyrinthine maze of turmoil expressed both vocally and instrumentally, with topsy-turvy extremes from somber to poetic, a pleading vocal duet of impeccable allure, poignant and heartfelt. Magnificent.
“On the Run” is not a cover the Pink Floyd classic, even though it possesses enough atmosphere to cover an entire planet, even one that is shattered. The resolute piano launches into a huffing and puffing escapade, Wilson running for his life, chased by a wild posse of galloping guitars. More piano serenity before the resumption of pursuit, with screeching lead guitar bursts from guest Steve Anderson leaving the listener gasping for air.
Respite. Reflection. Reason. All these themes are found on the crushing beauty of a simple yet profound arrangement, piano and voices mainly on “Take A Little Time (the Encounter)”. The orchestrations are the ideal elevation, taking this duet into the upper reaches of pathos, both vocalists yearning for a higher illustration of their talent, a celestial slice of majestic purpose.
Lessons learned, the hardships conquered one by one, albeit with remindful scars and wounds that will continue to heal for evermore. What options are there? Surrender to misery and self-pity? Or courageously face the road ahead, determined and daring! “A New Path” torchlights the direction one must undertake to fulfill the quest to conquer fear and despondency. And honour those who have loved you and who are watching from above or within, souls that are now guiding you, whispering ongoing resolve into your ear, wanting only to see you strive to be, at the very least, a happy and strong person. A new path is the gift of loving memories that nothing and no one can take away, as long as you breathe in the air and look into your heart.
Wake up, there is whole world out there, waiting.
5 future realms
