Opera Multi Steel – Cathedrale

Limited edition of 20 copies worlwide and not 200 copies

"Du Son Des Cioches" opens this album - a fastish piece of music given steely strength by the wide organ sound which fills it out. It's one of their more memorable tracks which makes you think 'ah, this, I know this one!' after only one listen. "Forme Et Reforme" comes next, the muted-sounding drum machine giving it a 'tight' feel, and the flute or whistle or whatever giving it a hint of them being troubadours come to entertain a jaded Pop culture. "Empire" comes next following a similar style in the instruments while the vocalist keeps things tight with his strong voice. "Brasier Communiquant" also elements of Latin American, Medieval, Folk & World Music while still retaining it's Pop identity. "Piscine A Tokyo" closes side one, defining it's title by using a naff CASIO drum sound and watery effects. They manage to form a able song with plenty of depth to it around what might otherwise be GodAwful - the vocalist driving on with strength of voice.
The second side opens with the title track "Cathedrale" - having a brooding Eastern flavour to it. It's about the most memorable track on the entire album - in many ways it reminds me of BLANCMANGE's "Living On The Ceiling", except that it's a little darker, more brooding. "Franz Et Mont" is a fast piece of music, still managing to maintain a bright-yet-moody atmosphere. "Attitudes" threatens to jump one of two ways, then picks a third to continue - a medium-paced atmospheric music reminding me once again of something by ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK. "Ils S'Eloignent" breaks in at an energetic pace. keeping very much to OPERA MULTI STEEL's usual formula. "Un Froid Seul" closes the album with a more relaxed, phasing piece of music - another of their more memorable numbers.

If you like one or more of the people I have compared them to then take a chance - this is quality music.

Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.