Oddleaf – Where Ideal and Denial Collide (self-released, 2024)
Oddleaf‘s debut album, Where Ideal and Denial Collide, is a striking entry into the world of symphonic progressive rock. Notable, it reveals the band as a formidable new force in the prog scene.
Where Ideal and Denial Collide draws heavily from the golden era of 1970s prog rock, influenced by Camel, King Crimson, and Yes, although the French group manages to weave in contemporary refinements reminiscent of Wobbler and Big Big Train.
The album’s remarkable quality lies in its exquisite, detailed craftsmanship. Each track is an intricately composed suite, brimming with beautiful solo passages and masterful ensemble arrangements. Oddleaf’s deep roots in both progressive rock and Western classical music are unmistakable throughout the record, giving it a timeless quality. The music is lush and expansive, mixing the rich, vintage sounds of Mellotron and Hammond organ with modern touches like electronic and acoustic flutes. The harmonies are equally impressive, featuring impeccably arranged four-part vocal layers.
Despite being a debut, Where Ideal and Denial Collide exudes the confidence and maturity of a seasoned band. Adeline Gurtner’s lead vocals are magnetic, expressive, and nuanced. Yet, it’s Carina Taurer, the group’s composer and keyboardist, who truly steals the show. Taurer proves herself a masterful composer. She develops serene, melodic passages as well as explosive, epic moments with equal skill and grace. Her keyboard work, whether on synth, piano, or organ, presents a level of virtuosity that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
The rest of the band holds their own, with tight, inventive performances across the board. Guitars and flutes add intricate melodies, while the bass and drums provide a rhythmic foundation that is both complex, creative and dynamic.
Lyrically, the album ventures into deep, contemplative territory. Themes of environmentalism and humanity’s fractured relationship with nature run through the record, imbuing it with a sense of urgency and relevance.
Oddleaf has crafted an impressive debut album that feels both timeless and timely. Where Ideal and Denial Collide is a statement of intent from a band destined for greatness.
Ideal and Denial Collide was produced by the band and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel.
Musicians: Carina Taurer, composer, keyboards, backing vocal; Adeline Gurtner on lead vocals; Mathieu Rossi Flute on e-flute, backing vocals; and Clément Curaudeau on drums. Voice-over on “Back in Time” by Dan Curtis
Recorded at Jondy Studio (FR).
Mixed and engineered by Yann Van Eijk. Mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo.
Cover artwork by Nele Diel. Layout by Marius Hoiset.
Storytelling by Jean-Jacques Clottu.
Photos by Amaury Gillet.