Homme – Ma Vie En Théorèmes | Progressive Rock Central.com

Homme is a French, progressive rock band, who has released their debut album, Ma Vie En Théorèmes, independently, on November 7^th of this year.

Homme’s musical sound, is a dive into the depths of the human soul. Full of emotions and contradictions. They got their start in 2021 in Villeneuve-Loubet, France.

The project brings together members: Chris Massol (vocals, bass, and songwriter); Arthur Delevirg (guitar); JP Mendez (guitar); and Jacques Anoufa on (drums).

Their press release reads, “The first songs took shape between 2005 and 2007 with the band Zapata Circus, a space for musical experimentation. Through French lyrics, Homme weaves immersive stories where music becomes the mirror of doubts, vertigo, and hopes that run through us. Between dream and reality, the band explores the complexities of being, the blurred lines between ideals and disillusion. The band’s sound blends several influences: progressive rock, rock, and pop – with one clear intention – to tell a story, one that unfolds within the human soul.”

On stage, Homme is said to create a true atmosphere, with sincere and instinctive music carried by video projections, where sound and image answer each other in a vibrant dialogue. The band has performed at festivals such as: The Sophia Live Music Festival, The Summer Pop’ Art Festival, Festival Improbable, and Vinestivales, or Fontonne Automne. The band asserts its identity with an intense stage presence, where passion and instinct take control.

The album was recorded and mixed by Ludwig Laperche, with whom the band built a strong artistic bond, and mastered by Tony Lindgren. Homme is currently working on its second album.

Since all of the lyrics to the album are in French, I will comment more on the musical content of the album. The opening track, “Abus de Pouvoir,” or (abuse of power), opens the album with powerful guitar, bass, keyboards, and drum vibes. The sound is fast moving and has a hard rock flavor more than progressive rock.

“Toxic girl,” has an almost 60s rockabilly sound. It reminds me a little of the sound of either the English band Madness or The Blasters. This is a straight-ahead rocker that will move your feet. Not hearing much progressive rock sound yet, but maybe that is yet to come.
“Eclosion programmée,” or (programmed hatching), opens slower, with sighs from the lead singer, and softer, slower lead electric guitar. The best song of the three, so far. The rest of the band members support the lead singer on the choruses, with vocals. It is a deeper, more well produced song, with a progressive edge.

“Idées Noires,” or (dark ideas), opens with slow solo electric guitar chords, then some acoustic guitar added in. The keyboards add so much variety to the project and album. The spacey rhythms are a great soundscape addition. Chris Massol’s vocals are much more direct and emotional. The soundscape builds with more power as the song progresses. The electric guitar soloing is the best on the album, so far.

“Mon Evidence,” or (my evidence), is a faster paced rock n roll song. Great ‘80s, MTV vibes on this one. Bouncy and full of life. When the band joins Massol it feels like a return to the feeling that Madness brought to MTV.

“Mon Capitaine,” or (my captain), is another good, straight-ahead rocker. Good drums keep a solid pace.

“Le Tunnel,” or (the tunnel), slows things down again, with great acoustic guitar playing, mixed well with some solid electric lead guitar soling.

“Pile ou Face,” or (heads or tails), opens with some very cool, bluesy electric lead guitar, set to a ska kinda beat. The drums are excellent as your feet get with the rhythm and the music’s pace.

“Le Grand Voyage,” or (the great journey), is the title that I expect would be a great progressive rock, long, epic closer. Instead though, we get what sounds more like a Bryan Adams song. Very straight-ahead rocking taking me back to “Straight From the Heart.” Good song, but again, I don’t hear progressive rock. However, I do like what I hear.

Homme’s Ma Vie En Théorèmes, is a good solid rock album that you should enjoy if you liked the music of the 1980s, MTV sound. I didn’t hear much progressive rock, other the tracks, “Le Tunnel,” and “Eclosion programmée.” You will need a translator, if you don’t speak French, but that does not take away from the good sound of the music. Just makes it a little harder to understand and appreciate. But it is good rock music, well played. I would recommend the album, for all of you who want to hear something different. If you like Bryan Adams mixed with Madness, you will probably like Homme.

Homme – Live. Photo by Nathalie Belleso.

Tracklist:
01. Abus de Pouvoir – 2:39
02. Toxic Girl – 3:39

03. Eclosion Programmée – 5:57
05. Idées Noires – 6:04
06. Mon Evidence – 5:15
07. Mon Capitaine – 3:25
08. Le Tunnel – 4:54
09. Pile ou Face – 4:07
10. Le Grand Voyage – 5:25

Band Website and Social Media Links:

https://hommetheband.wixsite.com/homme