Born back in the 70's French band Maybe are enjoying a second lease of life after reforming two years ago to record what is actually their debut album L'automate, that finds them welcoming new members Xavier (keyboards) and Patricia (vocals that are actually text recitals) to supplement the original trio of Serge (guitars), Bob (bass) and Patrick (drums).
The subtle opening of "Ouvertuere" is highlighted by some wandering ethereal guitar work courtesy of Serge with a backdrop of electronica that could well have been inspired by some of Mike Oldfield's later work. The more urgent "Éclair Du Temps" shifts the tempo up a gear until the spoken word mid-section (delivered in French as you might expect) that evokes a dreamlike quality. Patricia's spoken word takes on a more aggressive nature and incorporates some maniacal shrieking in the ten minute plus "Des Etres Nouveaux Nous Habitent" with the musicians once again twisting and turning around the original themes in time honoured neo-progressive tradition, Xavier making his presence more keenly felt with a lengthy Hammond section. The rest of the album continues in a similar vein and there is much here to admire about a band who have certainly been hiding their light under a bushel after all of these years out of the spotlight.
It may have been a long time coming and could be likened to the gestation period of an elephant but Maybe have delivered a sophisticated album that was well worth the wait
Track Listing
01 – Ouverture
02 – Éclair du temps
03 – Des êtres nouveaux nous habitent
04 – Tranche de folklore
05 – Nostalgie du passé futur
06 – L'automate
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