Polychrome – “Equilibrium – The Story of Usky”

Polychrome, from France, released their new album, Equilibrium, upon the world on 02/04/23. Polychrome is a musical project imagined by two brothers, Simon and Maxime Senizergues. Thanks to having received classical training growing up in an artistic environment, they quickly developed a passion for their respective instruments (piano and guitar).

Polychrome includes: Maxime Senizergues, on guitar and vocals; Simon Senizergues, on keyboards and vocals; Omar Nicho, on guitar; Jeremy Weisman/ Caroline Peach, on bass; Loïck Tournois, on drums. Victor Maroleau, plays flute on track 2; Cyril Haddad, plays bass on track 4; Jean-Louis Senizergues, plays clarinet on track 5; Charles Comerford, plays bassoon on track 11; Vincent Bernardon, plays violin on track 12; Simon Padiou, plays violin on track 12; Axel Bernardon, plays alto on track 12; and Quang-Chinh Tran, plays cello on track 12.

“Equilibrium is a concept album that tells the story of Usky’s initiatory journey, a character in constant search of inner balance. His childhood was marked by the loss of his brother, whom he accidentally killed. In order to protect him, his parents decide to hide the truth from him, and to conceal any form of existence of this lost child. Usky finds himself terribly confused and unable to answer the questions that have always haunted him. Throughout his life, he will try to fill and understand this unexplainable lack that gnaws at him. The “Au clair de la lune” theme represents the trauma of the loss of his brother. It comes up several times in the course of the album: Usky hears it in his darkest nightmares. The first part symbolizes Usky’s social construction. He thinks that he has found a semblance of balance thanks to his love encounter, but this will eventually lead to his inevitable decadence and total loss of balance”.

This a well-written and played concept album that will have you humming its lines and harmonies well after the album ends. There is a little of everything in prog on this album, including bits and pieces of images and sounds from Pink Floyd, vocals and guitars primarily, but also Genesis -like keyboards, flutes and melodies. Throw in a little Frank Zappa funk, ELP antics, some Beatles sounds at the start, and much more. Plenty of wonderful music here for your ears to consume. There are some lyrics on the opening track, to lay out the story, on “Welcome”, and the “Cycle of Life”, then primarily instruments tell the rest of the story.

This album quickly turns into a wonderful, if at times dreamy trip or journey through life, filled with beautiful and entertaining instrumental music. “Run O’ Clock”, was one of the best parts of the album’s first half of the journey. The amazing piano work was very original and stimulating, until they brought back vocals and interrupted with drums and percussion.

“Usky Can Smile”, is a live performance.

“Ocean” is another of my favorites off the album, with some early Genesis hints all over it, with the guitar and drum play. The lyrics are great, “Listen, I come back to the Ocean. In front of the rising sun. My place is in the Ocean. There is not any reason. Sea is my sensation”. At times the keyboards remind me of early Tony Banks and the guitar sound a little like Steve Hackett. Ocean is the longest and most epic track, and my favorite on this album.

Side two opens with some very cool, King Crimson-like instrumental work, further expanding their progressive rock acumen.

“Boundary Hill’, could sit comfortably next to classics like “Trick of the Tail”, or “Wind and Wuthering”. It is well-developed and fun to listen to with a slight dip of Kate Bush joy, added for fun.

The organ opening on “Give Me a Veil”, almost sounded like the opening of “Watcher of the Skies”. That was wonderful. The rest of the song has an early Collins-era Genesis sound to it. The acoustic, electric guitar, piano and deep regal organ also helps to make this my second favorite track on the album.

The piano at the opening of “Alone”, is beautiful. The lyrics are deep and emotional.

“En Croupissant”, starts with that familiar echo – effect of parts of “The Lamb’s “The Waiting Room”, without the cool parade of music that follows the cacophony.

“Inside My Brain”, continues the instrumental music and story, almost giving us the missing effect I just wrote about.

The title track, “Equilibrium” closes the album and this part of the story.

Track List:

Part 1

1 – Welcome

2 – Cycle Of Life

3 – En Grandissant

4 – Funky Jam

5 – En Voyageant

6 – Run O’ Clock

7 – Usky Can Smile

8 – Ocean

Part 2

9 – En Attendant

10 – Boundary Hill

11 – Give Me A Veil

12 – Alone

13 – En Croupissant

14 – Inside My Brain

15 – Shape Up Or Ship Out

16 – Equilibrium

Total time: 1’08’51

“Equilibrium” was written and composed by Simon & Maxime Senizergues. It was recorded and engineered by Lucas Chasseré. The album was mastered by Loïck Tournois Country, France. Illustrations were created by Cyril Haddad (@zanghor_art). Band Logo was developed and created by Anastasie Jeanne. Lyrics were written by Lucas Chasseré (track 6), et Vincent Lanièce (track 12).

Wow! This was my first encounter with Polychrome. They are a dynamic band with a multitude of talent. They can bring back the sounds of some 70s seminal bands, while at the same time produce some of the most unique new prog these ears have heard in a while. I think this album and Overhead’s Telepathic Minds, are two of the most highly rated magnum opus level albums I have heard this and in a few years, for sure.

This is a wonderful journey you can easily immerse yourself within and appreciate. Nothing is wasted or without meaning. Just blistering perfect music to fill over an hour of your time. A wonderful break from the everyday.

Wow! Bad Dog, you have been a very good dog this year finding such un-matchable talent, and so early in the year! Can’t wait to hear what surprises you find as the year progresses…

Social Media and Official Website:

https://beacons.ai/polychrome_music

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083091319334

https://www.instagram.com/polychrome_music/

https://polychromemusic.bandcamp.com/album/equilibrium