Gabriel Keller – “Live at La Rotonde” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Gabriel Keller, from France, has released his latest album, a live album, titled, Live – La Rotonde. The album was released on The Takaprod record label, from France; back on June 27^th, of this year. The CD will be released this September.

Gabriel Keller’s band is made up of members: Charlotte Gagnor, the lead singer; Gabriel Keller, on guitar and choir; Charlie Henry, on guitar, bass, and choir; Lucie Lacour, on cello, bass, and choir; and Lucas Biguet-Mermet, on drums.

Gabriel Keller is a composer and guitarist from the Lyon region of France. His PR release states that his music, “Offers a poetic and powerful take on progressive rock, where a wide range of emotions unfold—blending joy, sorrow, nostalgia, melancholy, and more. A true chiaroscuro of sound. Driven by a deep desire to explore new musical landscapes.”

Gabriel Keller, he has released two albums: Clair Obscur (2022), (which I reviewed back in 2022), and Hope Despite Everything (2024). These works merge progressive rock, metal, western classical influences, and a touch of chanson, crafting a distinctive and emotionally rich sonic universe.

On June 29, 2024, Gabriel and his band took to the stage at La Rotonde in Villeurbanne (69), France, opening for the acclaimed group Lazuli to celebrate the release of “Hope Despite Everything.” It was an unforgettable evening, surrounded by an exceptional group of musicians. A moment he was determined to capture and share. After a year of work, it’s finally here. More than just a live album, it’s a heartfelt snapshot of a moment in time.”

And the fun begins with “Tumulte / The Letter Pt.1,” which starts out slow as if coming from a distance. The soundscape begins to fill with orchestration, then electric guitar from Keller. The windmill – like guitar playing is perfect as Charlotte Gagnor’s soft and whimsical vocal incantations fill the room. Then, she sings the sad lyrics, “I have just received. One of your letters my son. And they all remind me of the good old times. I hold it in my hands. I press it against my cheek. I smell it just to see. If this brings you back. Memories come when I close my eyes. To see you smile. The innocence of a child sent to war.” Definitely, a sad song, set to Rush-like guitar, bass, and drums, with added cello. A powerful, anthem-like performance. Sad, however, a defining opening to this live performance.

“My Son,” opens quickly with full electric guitar, bass, and drums, before Charlotte Gagnor sings, with accompaniment again, “I stand there alone. Trying to make sense of it all. In the middle of this war. I really feel powerless to the core. There’s no turning back. Death is cruel for that. Son, the last message has come. Also known as the death notification. There’s no shying away from. This ultimate and fated frustration. What can I do? Now that you are not here. Anymore you have left us for good. Dealing with my grief. When having to announce this to everyone. Can’t hold back all my tears any longer. My soul cries more than my eyes. I just want to scream. And hold my son in my arms.” Another powerful song of reflection and sadness. Charlotte Gagnor, captures the pain and regret of her loss well. You can hear the depth of despair in her voice. Powerful bluesy guitar and drums support her as she sings.

“Le Chant Du Cygne,” opens quiet and slow. Charlotte Gagnor sings, in French, “Lara rentre chez elle le soir. Elle lutte pour faire taire sa mémoire. Elle revoit son cauchemar. Qui l’attend dans le noir. Résolue à vaincre le barbare. Elle cherche une échappatoire. Elle combat Maman est aveuglée. Il va recommencer. Elle combat. Nul ne peut la sauver. Trop tard, il l’a trouvée Il est là, prêt à chasser sa pro.” A slow, and I’m sure, a sad song, by the way Charlotte sings; and raises her voice to a scream, at times.

“Ma Rimeraie,” is also sung in French. Charlotte sings, (sometimes accompanied by the choir), “L’heure est à l’aubade. Dérobade à fleur. De poésie passée. Fracassée comme il plait. Dans ce havre de moi. L’émoi se hâte d’élégance. Nüment le serment. D’un temps où je vais. Dans l’vieux bois près d’chez toi. (Dans) Ma rimeraie.” This one is much quieter and my favorite so far. Elegant acoustic guitar accompanies Charlotte. The sad cello fills the soundscape well.

Gabriel Keller makes an announcement in French. (Probably intermission, I would guess). Then, he announces the next song:

“The Guns Are Approaching,” opens with soft cello. Charlotte Gagnor sings, “Sat on the ground. Safe and sound. Quietly there. Holding back despair. Look at the sky. Search for the light. Look at the ground. Got them feeling down. Why? Did I choose to be here? The screams at night that I hear. The deaths announced every day. And the ones we tend to end up forgetting. Feel like I’m in hell. Fire and hate will always tell. The deaths we tend to forget. And the ones we end up forgetting anyway.” An amazing lead electric guitar solo ensues with bass and drum support. The fear of heavy artillery approaching is never a good thing. And Charlotte and the band do a great job of placing the listener on the front line.

“Nothing Human,” opens with grinding guitars and bass. Drums pound as Charlotte Gagnor sings, “Here comes another night. Another chance to do it right. Reveling the deadly atmosphere. I’m roaming the streets. Seeking the path. Where the rage is a queen. Chasing the place. Where I can find my revenge.” Another difficult, sad song, full of agony and metal like electric guitars.

“Honey,” is the epic closer, full of thumping drums and metal electric guitar, playing a march, with bass, and drums; for the opening. Charlotte Gagnor sings, “It’ll be for you quite a surprise. As you don’t expect me to come. But you’ll never recognize. Me under my sweet disguise. Black tights but not around my legs. Black pants, black shirt, black gloves, dark face. As only accessory. A kitchen knife in my hand. I’m now your worst nightmare. I’ll push you out of there. Coming throughout nowhere. Tonight you will be dead at last. Tonight, Oh honey you only reap what you sow. Oh baby from what I know you should bow. Too late, darling, you’ve seen it coming. Taste my revenge, you can’t wash all your sins.” She is after someone, and they are going to get what she thinks they deserve. Violence will ensue.

Gabriel Keller’s “Live at La Rotonde,” is a well-crafted and played album of live music. Not sure if this album was a response to current events or the wars of the past. But historical perspective is not required here. War is hell, no matter when it happens; and this album captures war’s full effects well. The live and in concert sound, is even more convincing and dramatic. What is needed here is a video of this performance. That would make this performance even more effective. An album full of sadness and suffering…if you are ready to experience it. Hopefully there is a Digi-pack available, with a live DVD/Blu-ray vision of this show; to help bring it to life. Gabriel Keller’s “Live at La Rotonde,” is your album; if you are prepared for songs about heartache, war, and trauma.

Gabriel Keller’s “Live at La Rotonde,” was composed by: Gabriel Keller. Recorded live: 29/0 6/024@ La Rotonde (France). Mix and mastering: Antoine Pillemy Studio. Mixage/Mastering: Studio La Soierie. Artwork: Gabriel Keller/Maud Colly ©. Photography: Pascal Sauriat ©.

Album Track List: