ueschaible
Never heard of the this band, but, as a prog enthusiast, I am thrilled to finally be able to experience their creativity. Sadly to hear that this will be the swan song.
TheEliteExtremophile
Present’s final album is a dark, stormy opus. Avant-garde influences abound here. Unusual keys, chords, and instrumentation swirl over zeuhl-inspired marching rhythms.
Despite it’s title, This is NOT the end, is, indeed, the final release by the legendary Rock In Opposition band Present, as founder and composer Roger Trigaux died during its recording.
The final result is blindingly precise works of syncopated instruments, all seemingly coming from different angles but ultimately working together as a cohesive, if powerfully overwhelming whole.
Trigaux admits that “I use lengthy repetition and polyrhythmics to push not only the listener but myself to a paroxysm on the intensity.” In this sense, Trigaux’s music can be compared to that of the late Nigerian rock musician Fela Kuti, who gradually built his lengthy songs through repetition and rhythm to generate a visceral experience, and whose live performances were legendary. Also like Fela, Trigaux’ music has an intellectual, thematic subtext, hidden beneath the music’s physical sound.
All the instrumentalists contribute mightily and this is absolutely a group effort of tremendously impressive, rehearsal-intensive rock, and, very sadly to me, possibly the last of its kind.
"This project took 5 years. Roger died in the middle of its creation, the finalization of which was taken care of by Pierre Chevalier, Kurt Budé and Udi Koomran. But the work is accomplished." – Michel Besset [Roger's long time friend and producer of This is Not the End]
credits
released March 29, 2024
Roger Trigaux – keyboard, vocal, composition
François Mignot – guitar
Pierre Chevalier – piano, keyboards, vocal
Dave Kerman – percussion
Keith Macksoud – bass
Kurt Budé – sax, clarinet, bass clarinet
Liesbeth Lambrecht – violin
Udi Koomran – sound
Recorded by Udi Koomran at Studio Simonnes, Rhode-Saint-Genèse, Belgium.
Violins recorded by David Minjauw at Studio Simonnes, Rhode-Saint-Genese, Belgium.
Pianos recorded at Raphaël Terlinden's home studio, Brussels, Belgium.
Mixed and mastered by Udi Koomran and Pierre Chevalier, at the Pergola, Holon, Israel.
Cuneiform Records is a record label releasing adventurous, boundary-bursting music by artists from around the world. They
have always championed an eclectic mixture of musical styles and artists and have consistently danced at the dangerous intersection where genres meet. In doing so, they have become one of the most prominent labels of New Music.
supported by 43 fans who also own “this is NOT the end”
I'm always sceptical if a legendary band returns after a giant hiatus. Well, no need to worry here! Pioneer Daniel Denis, who composed all tracks on this album, hasn't lost a milligram of his creative power. So high-quality intelligent avantgarde is still possible nowadays. Sven B. Schreiber (sbs)
supported by 40 fans who also own “this is NOT the end”
Mysterious, yet nostalgic, Isolubilia is truly an ode to the romance found in the pursuit of a mystery. Musically rich in turbulence and serenity, majesty and humbleness, this album made me feel both lonely, yet understood as an isolated individual. Perhaps we're all fellow romantics, looking up at the same night sky, trying to wring our own meaning out of the stars. I hope that pursuit never ends. The John
supported by 39 fans who also own “this is NOT the end”
The new live EP by Ryan W. Stevenson's project reminded me, that this debut album must have been gone down the wishlist... If instrumental Canterbury stuff is your thing, this should be a no-brainer. Firmly rooted in the past (late 60s, 70s), nevertheless with a fresh sound. Guests incude The Tangent's Andy Tillison and Soft Machine's Theo Travis. Carsten Pieper