D Project, The: Find Your Sun

It sure has been a long time since I heard music from these guys. The band is The D Project, a Canadian outfit that has been around since 2006. I reviewed their second album Sagamartha Dilemma in 2008 and was very impressed. Now its eleven years later and the band is back with their fifth album titled Find Your Sun. They are still led by Stephane Desbiens (guitars, keyboards, vocals) who is joined by Jean Gosselin (drums), Isabelle Cormier (violin, backing vocals) and Philippe Desbiens (bass). And like previous albums the band bring some notable guests along for the ride including Fred Schendel (Glass Hammer), Romain Thorel (Lazuli) and Peter Falconer (Drifting Sun). Mastering was done by none other than Andy Jackson.

From what I remember Pink Floyd was probably the band’s main influence and that still holds true, especially on the first track “The End�. Beginning with strings and a somber vibe it doesn’t take long for the Gilmour-like crystal clean guitar to unfold along with some heavier elements. Some of the riffs also have a Floydy sound but Desbiens includes his own style as well. He is a formidable player and is quite dominant in the band’s sound. After some heaviness and neat stop/starts, quiet acoustic guitar leads a lovely softer section. Desbiens also has a great voice, very melodic and pleasing to the ear. “Crude Reality� is a somewhat darker track leading off with a somber guitar arpeggio and a beautiful vocal melody. The chorale vocals add a lush symphonic feel and the sax break is right out of the Floyd songbook. It might not be the album’s most original moment but it sounds absolutely wonderful. Another change into heavy bass, and yes “One Of These Days� did come to mind. Crashing guitars enter in dramatic fashion giving this song some great dynamics. The sax and guitar are quite heavy at song’s end. A nice keyboard intro leads off “Tell Me� featuring soaring guitar work and another fine melody. The sound is full and lush and the bass is very much present in this one. The vocals, both clean and robotized are excellent. I also dig the glistening keyboard work and occasional voice sample. Some cool atmospheres both light and heavy and it’s all very moody, especially the violin solo. The acoustic guitar in the somewhat sad and sometimes gentle “The Sting� makes for another beautiful moment. The electric guitar once again has a Gilmour vibe. He is such a fluid and melodic player and is a major reason to get this CD. The bassoon solo, yes you read that right, is also a highlight.

Although The D Project wear’s their influences on their sleeves I cannot help but really dig this new album. If you like yourself some Floyd, I myself can never get too much of that, I think Find Your Sun should be right up your alley.

Track Listing:
1. The End (6:02)
2. Crude Reality (6:55)
3. Tell Me (8:45)
4. The Sting (6:04)
5. Life To Spare (4:04)
6. Be Kind (5:35)
7. Find Your Sun Part I (1:51)
8. Find Your Sun Part II (3:55)
9. Be Free (5:01)

Added: February 13th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1325
Language: english

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