Mangeur de Reves - 2023 - Vivre et Mourir [mini-review]

(46:56; Mangeur de Reves)



















Canadian band Mangeur de Reves are out with the album "Vivre et Mourir", and progressive rock is the style explored on this production. It is a compelling and accessible variety of the form we get on this album, explored and executed in a manner that fits what I tend to describe as atmospheric laden progressive rock. Some of the songs come with a liberal amount of pop music sensibility, with inviting vocals and catchy hooks being the order of the day, other cuts are gentler affairs revolving more around an expanded singer/songwriter type of foundation. A common feature throughout is the use of vocal melodies that have been given ample development, both in terms of the lead vocals and the vocal harmonies. The band will happily and merrily play around with a few different tropes of the progressive rock style throughout, with atmospheric laden Mellotron textures being one typical example and using keyboards of various kinds to create darker undercurrents being another. Orchestral style surges is a part of the experience too, and side steps into landscapes a bit closer to hard progressive rock is a regular feature. The main focus is on accessible and appealing songs though, and in general I'd say that those with a taste and affection for progressive rock with a solid layer of pop music sensibility should be the ones to first take note of this production.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Mangeurdereves

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