Hamadryad: Safe In Conformity

Originally conceived in a Rush tribute band, Montreal's Hamadryad went through many personnel changes and phases until finally releasing their excellent debut "The Conservation Of Mass" in 2001. This record remains to this day Unicorn Digital's best selling release. In the summer of 2002, Jocelyn Beaulieu, then lead singer, decided he wanted to pursue a different musical path and the band found his replacement internally with bass player Jean-Francois Desilets (who does the lead vocals on "Action!" from the band's debut disc). In the spring of 2005, the band released "Safe In Conformity" by hosting a CD launch party where the disc was played in it's entirety.

I guess the first thing that hits the listener is that this is not what the debut was. The album has a much more homogenous feel and sound to it. Desilets tries valiantly, but his vocal prowess is nowhere near what Beaulieu's was. This, unfortunately, becomes the disc's Achilles Heel. Musically speaking, the band seems every bit as strong as on the debut, most notably the very capable Denis Jalbert on guitar, who revealed himself to be a monster axeman during the live prestation of this disc. The album's strongest moments come towards the end. Tracks like "One Voice" and the stellar "Polaroid Vendetta" rock out like the older material does.The instrumental sections during the closing "Omnipresent Umbra" allow keys player Doucet to stretch out a little, both on digital keys and the mighty Hammond B3. However, as stated above, all this comes towards the end of the disc, making it extremely bottom heavy and may be best listened to in reverse order.

Before the launch, group and label insiders had told me to expect a more Genesis sounding approach to Hamadryad's sound. Although I hear certain elements to confirm this, my personal comparison would be to fellow Montrealers Visible Wind, circa "Narcissus Goes To The Moon". Not quite Neo, not quite symphonic, the band has, as the disc title implies, decided to remain safe in conformity. This is a decent effort and I wouldn't be surprise if it creates a slight buzz in the prog community, possibly getting the band invited to a major festival. This said, I much preferred their debut which seemed more diverse and adventuresome. Your mileage may vary with this one.

Final note to the band: Chantez donc en francais !

Track Listing:

1. Anatomy Of A Dream
2. Sparks And Benign Magic
3. Self Made Men
4. Gentle Landslide
5. 24
6. Frail Purpose
7. Sunburnt
8. One Voice
9. Polaroid Vendetta
10. Alien Spheres
11. Omnipresent Umbra

Added: July 21st 2005
Reviewer: Yves Dubé
Score:
Related Link: www.unicorndigital.com
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Language: english

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