Alcest - Ecailles De Lune
The first few seconds of this album really throws me, as the beginning of the opener, Ecailles De Lune Part I, is a dead ringer for Supertramp. This anomaly doesn't last long, and normal service is resumed when the track blazes to life with dynamic, shoegazing post rock and it climaxes with some superb melodic blasting.
This album features much more metal than their previous album, Souvenirs D'Un Autre Monde. Ecailles De Lune Part II is fast, harsh black metal with streaks of melody running through it. This track also has a powerful, brooding bridge whilst the ending is beautiful, hypnotic indie rock with a huge emotional pull. The different styles mix together very well.
Taken in isolation, the main riff of Percoes De Lumiere could come across as plodding indie rock but the blackened vocals elevate it to something much more dynamic and interesting. Solar Song has a real power and gorgeous vocal harmonies.
The vocals overall, may not be the strongest but they are fragile and affecting, whilst the guitar work is subtle and provides much of the melody. The songs are lengthy and progressive but are equipped with worthwhile climaxes.
This album is probably not the best starting point for newcomers as there is a blackened edge to much of this compared to their other releases, but if you're open minded about that then you will find some beautiful songs here.
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