Lalu was out January 21st, 2022, with its new album Paint the Sky. A poetic progressive rock album, with many star – caliber contributions from some of progressive rock’s leaders.
Lalu is a musical project originally founded in 2004 by the French composer and producer Vivien Lalu, son of Noelle and Michel Lalu, (members of the ‘70s French progressive act Polène). The band is made up of: Damian Wilson, on lead vocals; Jelly Cardarelli, on drums; Joop Wolters, on guitars and bass; and Vivien Lalu, on keyboards.
Joining them on the album are: Jens Johansson, (Stratovarius); Joop Wolters; Jordan Rudess, (Dream Theater); Marco Sfogli, (James LaBrie); Mike Andersson, (Cloudscape); Simon Phillips; and Peter Wildoer, (James LaBrie).
The first thing I noticed was Damian Wilson’s vocal ability to perfectly meld the high vocals of Jon Anderson and Chris Squire’s more balanced vocal. It is amazing and makes for a legendary sound throughout the album. It also allows whichever band he is singing for; to take advantage of whichever sound they prefer.
The first three tracks off the album, just zip by leaving you with an early feeling you are hearing something unique and powerful. This is easily one of the best progressive rock albums in this first quarter of 2022.
“Paint the Sky”, featuring one of my favorite progressive rock singers of all time, Steve Walsh, formerly of Kansas, is one of the best songs on the album. Like all Steve Walsh innovations this song is full of a positive message, powerful organ and a sense of adventure and wonder. No wonder this is the title song. Sit back and enjoy this one from beginning to end.
“Witness to the World”, opens with mandolin, brilliant guitar, and soft drums. There are some powerful lead electric guitar riffs and soiling, not to be missed here. The deep bass fits so well with what I’ve said about Wilson’s vocals.
“Lost in Conversation”, has some great vocals and some perfectly memorable electric guitar riffs and soloing. The keyboard work is memorable here as well.
“Standing at the Gates of Hell”, is what you might expect. Deep, dark, and full of great jazzy keyboards, powerful bass, and some excellent electric lead guitar soloing. Mostly instrumental, the band has fun bringing you to this unholy place with some pretty hot guitar and music.
“The Chosen Ones”, is my favorite track, especially Jordan Rudess keyboard solos. Magnifico, supreme!
“Sweet Asylum”, is a wonderful acoustic guitar composition which is probably the second-best track on the album. I hear a lot of my favorite Led Zeppelin/Jimmy Page guitar work here. Which is a very good thing.
“We Are Strong”, opens with a spacey, Yes, from the past, sound, and guitar that sounds like Steve Howe, indeed. Water, bird song and delicate sounds opens this one well. Wilson delivers the story, set to guitar, bass and drum. Wilson even tries to hit some of those high Jon Anderson notes. A very Yes, “Generations” kind of song. You can hear a little of all phases of the Yes catalog here. Good work.
“All of the Lights”, opens with the best piano work on the album, and maybe the best of the year. The lyrics are the best on the album, by far. Definitely the third-best song on the album. Deeper that a lake.
“Paint the Sky”, features Simon Phillips, on drums. He opens it with a Zep/Bonham type of power punch that stays with you for a while. This is an instrumental version of the title track, and an encore for the band to unload anything left from reserve. Perfect ending.
This was a surprisingly great album to review. Please feel free to test this one out. It is worth your time and effort. The music is a joy to listen to and entertaining as hell. No way to get bored here. Give it a spin and a listen.
Tracklisting:
1. Reset To Preset
2. Won’t Rest Until The Heat Of The Earth Burns The Soles Of Our Feet Down To The Bone
3. Emotionalized
4. Paint The Sky (Feat. Steve Walsh)
5. Witness To The World
6. Lost In Conversation
7. Standing At The Gates Of Hell
8. The Chosen Ones
9. Sweet Asylum
10. We Are Strong
11. All Of The Lights
12. Paint The Sky (Feat. Simon Phillips)
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