Scavenging around the byways, farmlands, woodlands & waterways of rural France and digging up gems like rare truffles, Antiq are always a label to keep an eye on. The last offering from them Moisson Livide ‘Sent Empèri Gascon’ is still fascinating me and on rotation play-wise but now we have a debut album from a new outfit. Behind it are two creative figures Hyver and La Griesche with plenty of experience in other obscure projects who we have encountered before such as Véhémence, Grylle and the excellent Hanternoz so I was keen to grab this one and get stuck in. It’s a bit of a climb to the summit as we take in the fantastical artwork and approach this mystical Ivory Tower, wondering what is hidden away in its nooks and crannies. I note the duo are joined by bassist Erroiak and the mix and master is handled by none other than Akhyls. Without further ado let’s start the ascent.
It’s easy to get acclimatised here as what we have are four lengthy tracks that are full of ever-swirling, frosty guitar tremolos. This is a windswept domain and at the top of the tower the elemental gusts are howling at their fiercest. ‘La Tour’ sets things up with a glacial keyboard passage and choral work before bombing in with wild roars and savage battery. Riffs are as expected repetitive in their motion but this is not a problem when the drive behind them is so compelling. La Griesche handles the coarse and vampiric throaty yelling in the background and the tumbling instrumental assault is at times sorrowful and haunt the listener beneath the otherwise rapacious assault. The fog seeps in with ‘Brouillard’ and enshrouds our turreted view with an air of mystery. Strong melody entwines around us as its tentacles reach out, the sombreness and sense of isolation prescient beneath its layers. There are some clean vocals which were very much in the background on the first track, coming to the front here and they provide an introspective gaze to the music. There’s a slight familiarity about them and a quick search reveals that La Griesche is Joanna Maeyens a highly respected artist within the scene and also behind Cercle du Chêne. Things make a bit more sense now.
A bit of pomp and medieval orientation is found on ‘Forteresse de Marbre.’ Determination and no shortage of strife is hinted at, perhaps that never-ending coiling staircase is proving a slog. Gritting in via the vocals, both harsh and clean our traveller marches steadfastly forward and the listener will no doubt be with them every step of the way as they embrace the fantastical elements of the music. Hardly surprising the last track is entitled Givre meaning Frost and there are slightly more in the way of ambient and atmospheric parts here as it spreads and sparkles over this kingdom. Providing a hypnotic conclusion ‘Tour d’Ivoire’ have proven to be another captivating listen and a perfect fit for the label. One for cold, bitter days and nights…
(8/10 Pete Woods)
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