Gabriel Keller has delivered his solo debut album, Clair Obscur. The album was released March 19, 2022.
Gabriel Keller is a trained violinist and drummer. Gabriel is a fan of legendary bands like the Beatles and Pink Floyd. He has tried in every way to recreate, from his own perspective and memories what he felt for the music of those great artists of his youth.
On Clair Obscur, an album of 10 tracks, he divided the album into two parts. “A clear, bright, rather pop first part, tinged with influences from groups like the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and many others. And a more obscure, dark and tortured second part, in which we can hear the influences of bands like Opeth or Porcupine Tree”.
On Clair Obscur, Gabriel Keller, who plays guitars, percussion, bass, and sings backing vocals, is joined by: Lucas Biguet-Mermet, on drums, on tracks 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9; Simon Rebuffat, on drums, on tracks 2, 3, 4, and 5; Charlie Henry, on guitars; Clément Berthie, on guitars; Anthony Barbier, on the guitar solo on track 4; Marius Marin, on guitars on track 9; Lucie Lacour, on cello, and backing vocals; Emi B, on vocals, and backing vocals; Anne-Marguerite Solt, on backing vocals; Charlotte Gagnor, on vocals, and backing vocals; Marine Poirier, on vocals, and backing vocals; Maïté Merlin, on vocals; Julien Mailland, on bass; Clément Barou, on piano; Jean Charles Montibert, on string arrangements; Quatuor MajusculeS, on strings; Jérôme Aubernon, on solo violin, on track 6, Sos Section, created the brass section on track 8; and Pierre Lagache, on brass arrangements, for track 8.
This is a very interesting album of pop and modern progressive rock influences. I liked all of the tracks, but my favorites were: the opener – “Tumulte”, “Time”, and to a great degree, “Train to Resolution”, whose title is perfect for what all we feel today. How many of us right now would love to be on a train of resolutions, to all of the troubles and pain in our lives and around the world. The perfect song to examine these issues well, to great music accompaniment.
“Open Arms” is not a cover of the song Journey made famous on Escape. In fact, it is full of great singing and wonderful support of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums.
“Melancholia”, is sung in French and it sounds beautiful with soft electric guitar and drums. How do you make melancholia sound sweet and nice? Like this. This and the next song are the best tracks on the album.
The piano and orchestration on “Sonate Au Clair Obscur”, are worth the price of purchase alone. This is like Pink Floyd meets an orchestra. Just brilliant and beautiful with all of the strings playing well with the powerful bass, electric guitars and drums. A sonata to top them all! Everything you could want from a power single. Excellent!
The second side of the album is both darker and heavier. “Out of My Life” is one of the better songs on this side. “Honey”, has a lot of excellent heavy electric guitar riffs. But, “Accalmie”, is the best song on the second part of the album. The acoustic guitar is a wonderful touch. The female choir and the wandering way of the rhythm are a perfect closer to an interesting debut solo album for Gabriel Keller.
I will be back for album two. This was interesting enough and unique enough to want to hear more. A very good progressive rock album, mixed with metal additives, enough to keep you interested. Give this album a try.
Track List
- Tumulte – 3:27
- Time – 5:01
- Train to Resolution – 4:27
- Open Arms – 5:13
- Melancholia – 3:50
- Sonate Au Clair Obscur – 6:42
- Nothing Human – 5:35
- Out of My Life – 6:51
- Honey – 4:45
- Accalmie – 2:59
Album teaser: https://youtu.be/Nu7HEthzcc