Band: Talisma

CD Title: “Quelque Part”

Label: Unicorn Digital

Label Website: www.unicorndigital.com

Release Date: 2008

The third and latest CD entitled Quelque Part from the Quebec based trio known as Talisma has been released and it continues building on the solid prog framework the band has established for themselves. The band’s origins date back to 1991 and today they continue as a trio consisting of Donald Fleurent (bass, guitar, synths, Mellotron), Martin Vanier (guitar) and Mark Di Claudio (drums). They also have the assistance of Florence Belanger (piano, vocals), Marc Filiatrault (guitar), Alain Boyer (drums) and Lauren Belec (guitar). Picking up where they left off Talisma produce a mostly instrumental set with an emphasis of melodic and yet quirky guitar riffs using the keyboards to build the atmospheric backdrop for each of the CD’s 10 compositions. Most of these pieces tend to be shorter, anywhere from 2 to 3 minutes however the closing piece clocks in a 9-minutes (although it’s really three pieces strung together). And yet the band manages to jam a fair bit of complexity into these rather small musical packages. If you are at all familiar with the band’s music you’ll know to expect a lot of musical variety, dynamics, drama and texture, all with an overriding somber or melancholy tone.

If I were to describe the music of Talisma I would say the opening track “Introssimo” (5:14) and “L’Aube” (5:31) tend to be most representative. Each in their own way starts off with an intense and dynamic melodic riff built around either electric or acoustic guitars that move along building the songs melody line into an intense crescendo. Along the way there might be a brief acoustic detour for guitar, Mellotron or flute but each piece is like a coated candy that starts out with one flavour and then as it melts delivers a burst of new flavors you hadn’t anticipated. I detect a harder edge in the music this time and am reminded of bands such as Djam Karet or label mates Spaced Out. This seems to fit well with the compositions here but even with that there are plenty of softer moments that allow the music to breathe. As on their previous releases the band continues to fuse together a wide range of musical influences such as jazz-fusion, atmospheric electronics, Celtic, Latin, medieval chamber music, and so forth. It’s nice to hear a real Mellotron in many of these compositions and it is certainly one of the elements that adds a distinct tone to the music of Quelque Part.

The work of Talisma holds up well under repeated listening. There’s lots going on in the music and yet nothing is over-done; in fact if anything it leaves you wanting to hear more. Each time the ear focuses on something different. The combination of intelligent compositions, thematic variety, and unusual sound-scapes makes for a very enjoyable listening experience.Quelque Part is a worthy addition to the band’s growing catalog of music and I’d heartily recommend it, not only to existing fans but anyone looking for some instrumental progressive rock with a symphonic touch.