Gabriel Keller, French multi-instrumentalist and composer, released his second studio album called Hope Despite Everything (2024, see review) last year and now he unveils his very first live album called Live @ La Rotonde. Keller's live album features seven tracks, and it was captured on 29 June 2024 at La Rotonde in Villeurbanne. The album features stand out songs from his last album. Which are the compositions The Letter Pt.1, My Son and The Guns Are Approaching. But also from his debut Clair Obscur (2022, see review). From this album they are Tumulte, Nothing Human and Honey. Furthermore some newly arranged pieces from Gabriel's earlier project Hegoa can be heard as well. On this live album Keller's band consisted of Charlotte Gagnor (lead singer), Charlie Henry (guitar, bass guitar), Lucie Lacour (cello, bass, choir) and Lucas Biguet Mermet (drums). And of course Keller himself on guitar and vocals. Highlights on this live album are: My Son, which opens with full electric guitar, bass and drums and features an explosive guitar solo, Nothing Human (with metal-like electric guitar hooks and melodies) and the epic closer Honey, which again features heavy drums and lots of electric guitars. The French-sung Le Chant Du Cygne and Ma Rimeraie are not exactly my cup of tea, pardon my French indeed..... However, Live@ La Rotonde is a fine, well-crafted, and well played album, mixing rock, hard rock, metal, folk, jazz, and pop. Listening tip: My Son. ***+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
