I have been a friend of Anne-Claire Rallo, (Nine Skies, Solace Supplice), for a while now. She is also the CEO of the Bad Dog Promotions, a public relations firm. She has sent me many promos and thus introduced me to some wonderful bands that I never knew about; that her firm represents. So, when she advised me that she was going to do a solo album of music under another name, over a year ago, I was absolutely intrigued.
Well, that dream and vision has come to fruition. Anne-Claire will release her new project, Frant1c’s, first album, A Brand New World this September 27th. It will be released by FTF-Music.
The concept, or idea, for the solo project evolved out of the loss of Anne-Claire’s husband, Eric Bouillette, from (Nine Skies, The Room, etc.). The story describes the life and adventures of Charlie and Hope, who have always spent their lives together. One fine day, Charlie wakes up alone in the middle of a completely different and devastated world. He then goes in search of his soulmate, pondering: “what is this world?”. The discoveries and new encounters he makes throughout this adventure to find Hope, invite us to reflect on various feelings and questions that are as universal as they are personal to each of us”.
The core lineup of Frant1c, features: Anne-Claire Rallo: who plays, guitars, keyboards, piano, and arrangements; Eric Bouillette (RIP): who played guitars, violin, piano, and sang backing vocals; Alexandre Lamia, (Nine Skies, Ingaro); who plays guitars, keyboards, piano, and arrangements; Alexis Bietti, (Nine Skies, Genesya), plays bass; Johnny Marter (Nine Skies and Marillion, plays drums; Martin Wilson: (The Room, Grey Lady Down), performs vocals for “Charlie”; Helen Tiron, (SunQ), performs vocals for Hope”; John Mitchell (Lonely Robot, Arena, Asia, Frost, etc.), is overseeing the mixing and mastering; Andy Rowe: performs spoken voice; Laurent Benhamou: plays saxophone on “Where Have You Been?”; Steve Anderson: plays the guitar solo on “On The Run”; Guy Marro: performs chorus vocals on “Come Back To Earth”, with Eric Bouillette, performing backing vocals.
A Brand New World, is a simply immaculate album of progressive rock songs that fill a wonderful story, which evolves through each song. The jazzy sound of the saxophone adds to the mystery and complexity of the production. It adds magic to the sound of this album so perfectly, on “Where Have You Been?” The guitars and keyboards are extravagant and harmonious. The album is a remarkable story, full of possibilities, with music lifting the positive mood to compliment those opportunities. The soundscape is surrounded with both sympathy, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and calm cool piano.
There are many standout tracks on A Brand New World, including: “The Ballad of Peggy Pratt”, the longest song, at over 13 minutes. It is the crème de la crème for me. (I do love the longer songs). The piano concerto that fills most of the song is one of the most fulfilling musical aspects of the album. “Come Back to Earth”, is a stunning kick-starter for the story of Hope and Charlie. “Where Have You Been”, is another standout song, with Martin Wilson’s fantastic emotive vocal. Likewise, “Sweet Confusion” is full of great keyboard playing and innovative electric guitar, and a wonderful conversation between Martin Wilson and Helen Tiron. In fact, the inclusion of Helen Tiron, is an absolute bonus! I loved her album this year with her main band, SunQ. If you haven’t heard that one, please give it a listen. The guitar solo near the end is also amazing. Steve Anderson’s solo guitar on, “On the Run”, is also an album highlight, as is the opening, morning-like keyboard playing. Helen’s vocals on “Take a Little Time” are absolutely riveting. The keyboards and guitar playing on “A New Path” are simply irresistible. The drums are not too bad either. No, the drums are Earth-shaking! The closing piano playing, on the “Epilogue”, will take your breath away.
Altogether, A Brand New World, is an amazing new work from Anne-Claire Rallo that deserves your ears. I hear she has started the follow-up album already. So the next chapter of the story, or a completely new adventure, is currently evolving. Please give this new story and album your time, and you will be rewarded with an uplifting story full of innovative music, played by a wealth of talented musicians. Fant1c’s A Brand New World is one of the best progressive rock albums of 2024. Please give it your time.
Overview music composed by Frant1c. Recorded by Anne-Claire Rallo and Alexandre Lamia. Mixed and mastered by John Mitchell @ Outhouse Studios. Lyrics by Anne-Claire Rallo and Martin Wilson. Artwork by Anne-Claire Rallo and Steve Anderson.
Album Track List:
- Prologue (The Awakening) 4:10
- Come Back to Earth – 4:19
- People in Their Cages – 5:00
- Where Have You Been 5:13
- The Ballad of Peggy Pratt – 13:29
- Sweet Confusion – 6:49
- On the Run (Featuring Steve Anderson) – 6:41
- Take a Little Time (The Encounter) – 4:48
- A New Path – 6:43
- Epilogue (A Band New World) – 4:38
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://linktr.ee/frant1c Linktr.ee
https://www.facebook.com/frant1cband
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@frant1cband