Equilibrium
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A concept album that follows Usky’s journey to seeking inner balance after killing his brother accidentally, France’s Polychrome flesh out this very meticulous version of prog-rock with an often nostalgic presence.
“Welcome” gets the listen off to a bass filled start, where a charming dreaminess enters alongside Maxime Senizergues’ fluid drumming, and “Cycle Of Life” follows with Victor Maroleau’s airy flute complementing the cautious landscape of breezy prog-rock ideas that benefit much from Simon Senizergues’ agile keys.
Further along, “En Voyageant” welcomes Jean-Louis Senizergues’ moody clarinet for the mysterious textures of warmth, while “Ocean” spends 8+ minutes mesmerizing us with a soulful haze of elegant keys, expressive singing and precise interaction between the many players.
Deeper still, “Alone” spotlights Simon Padiou and Vincent Bernardon’s violins, Quang-Chinh Tra’s cello and Axel Bernardon’s alto that complement Vincent Lanièce’s lyrics for the stirring intimacy, and the title track exits with soft beauty that echoes a retro spirit that will always be relevant.
A listen that might remind you of Pink Floyd or King Crimson, Polychrome do a great job of balancing minimal versus rich moments of prog tinted rock you’ll want to revisit again.
Travels well with: Overhead- Telepathic Minds; Wedingoth- Five Stars Above