SYLVAN: X-rayed (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Here is the long-awaited 2004 vintage of Sylvan who, two years ago, had gratified us with "Artificial Paradise" with an excellent album, leaving us in the expectation of a future work of the most sumptuous. No need to wonder whether Sylvan had any questions about the possibility of moving towards a progressive style other than that of their origins. There is no doubt that X-Rayed is the continuity of Artificial Paradise and is more incisive.

The relationship between the first two titles, which are a year apart, both starting slowly and ending in apotheosis, is immediate. On the instrument side, the observation is the same. The bass is always as much put forward and the keyboards are always as discreet as indispensable.

The evolution in one year is felt at the level of the increased strength of the compositions, the arrangements and especially at the level of the voice, which has become the most active element in the contribution of emotions. Extraordinary work has been done on the vocals parts, doubled to the third or the octave, even tripled, making the choruses absolutely unstoppable.

To enrich an already very attractive content, Sylvan had the good idea to add many embellishments such as samples or children's songs perfectly adapted to the atmospheres, sometimes melancholic, sometimes agonizing but always palpable.

X-Rayed only confirms all the good that we thought of this band which, while keeping the same ingredients, succeeds in offering renewed emotions. The right balance between the softness of the acoustics and the nervousness of the powerful riffs associated with a raging vocal sometimes on the verge of fusion is reached with disconcerting ease. The perfect balance between the neo-progressive and its hovering solos and the progressive and its breaks, its changes of phrasing, is again striking. Sylvan has just shone once again. - Official website

SYLVAN

X-RAYED

POINT MUSIC

PROGRESSIVE ROCK