actuellecd

Reviews

Alan Freeman, Audion, no. 43, September 1, 2000

It’s seems to be a rarity these days, that we get someone truly original in the field we call RIO. Most of what we hear are different rehashed ideas from the 70’s. So, it’s a real treat to hear the debut from this new Canadian quartet. Okay, “Red Sky” do draw a little on past pioneers, like Maneige, Miriodor and Conventum, but they wrap it all up into a fiery mix that gives a whole new angle on it all.

The star soloist is on Guido Del Fabbro, a deft violinist if there ever was one. He brings a slight glance of Stormy Six into the sound, yet his playing also has a Celtic flair, and vitality that is quite original. Simon Lapointe (piano, keyboards, melodica) seems to take cues from Lars Holimer, but also has a classical feel to his playing. Then we have the guitar and drums, who seem to be left-over from some post-rock band intent on trying to a jazz-folk hybrid. It is this concaction of paradoxes that make Rouge Ciel a unique band.

Of course, stylistic paradoxes make for an album, although instantly recognisable as excellent, that is also a grower, and a great repeat listener to get into.

Of course, stylistic paradoxes make for an album, although instantly recognisable as excellent, that is also a grower, and a great repeat listener to get into.