Lesoir: Latitude

Lesoir is a Danish progressive rock band that has recently got my attention. Their fourth CD Latitude was released in November, 2017 and is quite a riveting listen mixing metal, neo and orchestral elements. Band members include Maart Je Meessen (vocals, flute, piano), Ingo Dassen (guitars), Eleën Bartholomeus (vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussions), Ingo Jetten (bass) and Bob Van Heumen (drums). The album was produced by John Cornfield (Muse) aided by co-producer Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief).

Dreamy atmospheric soundscapes are seamlessly interrupted by bursts of metallic riffing that adds a tremendous amount of drama to the bands melodic and slightly dark approach. The female vocals are really nice and are a definite plus for the band. The opening track "Modern Goddess" is a good measure of what this music is all about. A forlorn but pretty piano and layered keyboards begin the tune followed by angelic vocals. The soft orchestrations are quite subdued before the entire band joins in earnest. It's not heavy, just nice mid paced modern progressive rock. "In The Game" is heavier as the metallic riffage erupts through the lighter atmosphere with dramatic intensity. The contrast between soft and heavy is well defined and makes for some powerful moments. The disc demonstrates excellent dynamics and none more so than in "Eden's Garden" where the riffs build in dramatic fashion as the music twists and turns through softer more muted bits and soaring guitar solos. The musicianship is superb as all the musicians lead the charge in making some of the disc's heaviest and most dramatic moments. The dreamy beginning of "In Their Eyes" is again contrasted with metal riffs adding bombast and drama. The band is great at keeping the listener surprised and interested while still keeping the music very accessible.

Latitude has been another nice surprise from 2017. I am certainly going to be on the lookout for whatever comes next. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Modern Goddess
2. In The Game
3. Icon
4. In Their Eyes
5. Gone And Forgotten
6. Eden's Garden
7. Zeros And Ones
8. Kissed By Sunlight
9. Cheap Trade
10. Comforting Rain
11. Latitude
12. Faith Is
13. Cradle Song

Added: May 2nd 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1626
Language: english

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