FRANCK CARDUCCI: Oddity (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Franck Carducci is a multi-instrumentalist and traveller, both in his location (French of Italian origin now living in the Netherlands) and in his musical career, with multiple collaborations in numerous groups, or more recently by accompanying the folk-country singer Yann Matis on bass. In 2011, with Steve Hackett's blessing, he released his first solo album in his favourite style, progressive rock, directly inspired by the masters of the genre, those who exploded in the 1970s.

Without even reading Franck Carducci's biography, a few minutes of listening will be enough for any listener who knows anything about the progressive current to clearly identify Oddity's inspirers: Franck is an admirer of Genesis and Pink Floyd, and more particularly of their respective guitarists, the great Steve Hackett and his 12 string guitars, and the equally majestic David Gilmour and his electric fulgurances.

The album is full of references, not to say quotations, reminiscent of the albums of the glorious period of the two groups: the choirs of The Quind seem to have come straight out of the Wall, Alice's Eerie Dream inevitably recalls the pigs, dogs and sheep of Animals, their syncopated rhythms and the guitar that tears the ears apart. As for the passage that illuminates the middle of The Last Oddity, it seems to come straight from the magical Mason/Waters/Gilmour/Wright quartet. Genesis' influences are also present, notably on the opening track or on The Last Oddity, whose opening reminds us of A Trick of the Tail, with many uses of the 12-string guitar and its magical arpeggios and harmonies. John Hackett's presence on the flute only reinforces this impression of immersion in familiar but bewitching atmospheres that you can't get enough of.

What about other things? Apart from being inspired and reproducing, what does Franck Carducci propose to us? Well, a cover of Carpet Crawlers, a little bit of a snack, a delicate choice as this anthology title seems complicated to adapt. But our friend manages with honours, the presence of violin and female choirs bringing another colour to this track whose nooks and crannies everyone knows. Then to change course altogether, The Eyes of Age pays tribute - at least that's how I feel - to Yann Matis: nice folk-song, but somewhat offbeat compared to the rest of the album, this track nevertheless offers a pleasant breath between the spices that compose the main part of the album.

Franck Carducci succeeds in integrating all his references into a music that is ultimately very personal, far from a The Watch, and whose interest does not wane throughout the four long progressive tracks of the album. So let's not sulk about our pleasure! - Official website

FRANCK CARDUCCI

ODDITY

AUTOPRODUCTION

PROGRESSIVE ROCK