LIGHT DAMAGE

(LUXEMBOURG)

XX

(2024)
LABEL:

AUTRE LABEL

GENRE:

PROGRESSIVE ROCK

TAGS:
Concept-album, Epic, Neo
"The first of a three-part concept, "XX" sees Light Damage establish himself as a major neo-progressive band, with a totally addictive EP."
TONYB (08.05.2024)  
5/5
(0) opinions (0) comment(s) Nudge
While some bands can sometimes suffer from recording frenzy, Luxembourg's Light Damage have chosen to take the time to mature their projects, at the risk of triggering (more than legitimate) impatience on the part of their fans.

Six years have now passed since the release of the acclaimed "Numbers", and we'll have to wait another two years to discover the whole of the vast concept of which Light Damage offers us a first part in the form of the "XX" EP. Taking up contemporary history from the start of the industrial era in the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, the narrative relates all these developments to the ecological catastrophe towards which all this frenzy of uncontrolled progress is taking us.

After an opening with a few guitar notes against a background of soaring keyboards, 'Gears Aligned' is propelled by an organic pulse that opens the way for Nicholas-John Dewez's magnificent vocals. Themes follow one another throughout the 13 minutes of a track that blends modern progressive with the heritage of the great old-timers, with nods to Marillion and Deep Purple in warrior mode, punctuated by bursts of Hammond organ. The rhythm section does an outstanding job, varying even and odd rhythms, and adding many subtleties to enrich the rich harmonizations. The compositional work is simply unbelievably precise, constantly bringing the listener to focus on a music where all the sequences seem to flow naturally.

After the breath given by 'Luna', a magnificent track built on a syncopated rhythm and slowly building up to denounce the chimera of the Moon race in the 60s, it's time for 'Neon Dream' which, in a generous format once again, drives home the nail in the coffin of a total addiction to the Light Damage universe. Here, the choice is made for a more verse/chorus structure, but in a progressive style, with many variations and instrumental interludes all returning to the original theme. Without a moment's pause, Light Damage unleashes the very best that neo-prog has to offer, like a surge of water crashing down on the stunned ears of the listener, who can't stop asking for more. Christophe Szczyrk's drumming is once again a delight, his handling of odd-numbered rhythms and offbeat beats alone meriting a focused listen to his instrument. 

And the enthusiasm displayed during the heady chorus, reminiscent of the work of their compatriots TNNE/No Name, rounds off this short but beautiful first hors d'oeuvre.
- Official website

TRACK LISTING:
01. Gears Aligned - 13:29
02. Luna - 3:43
03. Neon Dream - 7:30

LINEUP:
Christophe Pietquin: Claviers
Christophe Szczyrk: Batterie
Frederik Hardy: Basse / Choeurs
Nicholas-john Dewez: Chant / Guitares / Thérémine
Stéphane Lecocq: Guitares
   
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