RÊVE
"La Marionette" (Self-produced; 2016)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
There's a little bit of everything on RÊVE's"La Marionette." According to the band's website, they consider themselves art-rock, but I think that label is too restrictive for what RÊVE does on this album. There are spots of hard rock, movie score, classical and even some Pink Floyd weirdness here that works amazingly well as a whole. And I'm talking within the same song sometimes as well as the entire album.
The production is pitch perfect, complex and bright without sounding overdone and the band's amazing musicianship and songwriting craftsmanship shines through. The combination of their unique style of rock with instruments such as violin works brilliantly here. The lead vocals are at once powerful and ethereal, sort of a combination of Joan Jett and Belinda Carlisle coming through a curtain of atmosphere.
As you might guess, I like the harder rocking tracks more than the slower ones but that's all me. My favorite track is probably "Inheritance," with its driving rhythm and its haunting vocals ... or maybe "Marionettes" with its irresistible chorus, but there isn't a track here I don't like. Each one is so different from the last that there's a freshness throughout this CD that keeps it lively from beginning to end.
One last thing worth mentioning: I've listened to this album three times through and it gets better each time. By the time I've spun this thing three more times, I might have to come back and bump up my guitarsaw rating just a little more...
For more information, check out http://www.officialreve.com .
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2016 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
