Another new discovery (no, its not very disco!) from France, courtesy of the magnificent Anne-Claire of Bad Dog Promotions, Polychrome is the brainchild of two brothers Simon and Maxime Senizergues, respectively keyboardist and guitarist as well as both being vocalists, well schooled in classical training as well as jazz. Like many similarly gifted students of music, their personal tastes easily drifted to the more demanding catalog of progressive rock, as it can incorporate pretty much any, if not all, other musical styles. From dusk to dawn, this sparkling debut spans the entire gamut of the day in the life of a prog musician (not named Ivan Denisovich), contemplating the effects of daylight, sunset and night, within the scope of the most comfortable of routines, though every day a witness to new thrills and disappointments. ‘Allons enfants de la patrie’ and discover what this is all about!
Classic opening move with “L’Aurore” a new day beckoning, the two brothers unwrapping their respective instruments, garnished with hushed vocals, and inserting second fret boarder Omar Nicho, Sergio Santiago on bass, as well as drummer Loick Tournois.
Both “I Feel Good” and the segueing piece “Daydreamer”, possess all the revitalized energy required to kick off any daily routine with conviction. The confidence exuded in both the vocal delivery and the playful instrumentation are remarkable, the guzzling organ shoving the enthusiastic guitar solo forward is a particular stunning treat. Then the feathery reverie has a light jazzy touch that shows off a laisse-faire devoid of ennui (yes, three French words for the occasion), the frilly guitars being emboldened by the unexpected events that may impact their day. The harmony vocals are also most noteworthy. Keeping the relaxed mood intact, the quirky “The Dog and the Frog” has an eccentric XTC tinge, très British, with a kindergarten e-piano garniture embalmed in a carefree disposition, as the bass and drums decide to take a rhythmic stroll in the park. The vocal harmony work remains remarkable. Where’s the “Cat Food”? Speaking of which, “Another Day” has the instrumentation staying in the same trough, save the rather raunchy guitar blitzes that shake the foundations, a hint of King Crimson spice in the tempo variations, a rampaging bass line playing with the pied piper.
Change of pace as the twilight beckons (“Le Crépuscule“), the onus now set on a vast panorama of sonic disturbances, long enough for a solitary piano to bow in homage. The shift on “Give Me Five” to more progressive realms is as clear as Jack Nicholson’s crystal. The wavy guitar riffs, and then the mesmerizing keyboard hypnosis suddenly evolve into a melodramatic swirl (thanks to the guiding bass) with vast synthesized orchestrations, voice effects and a drum upsurge. The sustained guitar solo is spell-bindingly intense, a definite Fripp flavouring. A masterclass track, not quite the Dave Brubeck classic but utterly tasty, nevertheless.
As the whirlwind finally meets the night and the time comes for eventual rest, the mind stays imprisoned in the daily events, with racing thoughts unwilling to fade away, “Andy” becomes the last call, one more for the road. Musically , the piece is suitably extroverted, combining all the various elements described in the earlier tracks, all put into a tired blender and pureed!
Nostalgia is the refuge of those who have lived a full life, so “Remember” can only happen if there is a lot to reminisce, ‘in the quiet of the night, when the world falls asleep’. The reflective and introspective nature is underscored on the finale “L’Aube” (the dawn) with some touching lyrics, expressed with delicate vocals, an ornate synthesizer yearning to find peace, and the scratchy guitar lurking behind, reminding us that tomorrow is just another day, and right around the corner.
A refreshingly different offering than the usual mainstay of grandiose neo, sympho, retro, electro, crossover, metal or folk prog. Though sung in accented English and exuding a Gaul charm, this came as a delightful breath of air that had the added benefit of making me ‘feel good’. You should all try it ‘Someday’.
Bonne nuit, mon bébé!
4 À Demains