After searching for some information about this new band, it turned out that Transperception is a band project that only consists of one person: Djam Zaidi. He sings and plays all instruments and is great with a computer as well. This French multi-instrumentalist pleases us with his first attempt Colour Green-a collection of eight songs, each with its own identity and feeling. Beginning with the title track, the first impression is a very positive one. A bluesy guitar intro, perfectly shaped in the vein of Dave Gilmour, moves into soft vocals that at first have hunches of Chris Rea, but when you listen closer, there are more interesting references. Perhaps Steven Wilson with Blackfield was of some inspiration for this Colour Green collection, but I think the masters of Pink Floyd surely inspired this guy as well. Changing moods a little, the vocals stay impressive and pleasant to listen to; dark and emotional in the softer parts, clear and a bit over the top when the volume rises. Right In Time has a nice guitar part with an oriental touch and a furious solo. Djam shows himself to be an excellent songwriter and a helluva musician in one. Catchy song. A cool crunchy bass guitar leads to the following track Feel So Lonely, which is a bit more based on keyboards and has a brilliant piano part that leads to a keyboard and guitar solo in the best tradition of progressive rock. The whole song could be a mixture of progressive rock on the one side and alternative rock with pop influences on the other, filled with great solos and a sparkle of Dream Theater in the end. Another World immediately grabs you as a modern rock song with the use of many computer sounds. On this song another band seems to have been of great influence for Djam Zaidi: Muse. Mixing Arabic rhythms with inventive keyboards, strong vocals and even jazz and fusion guitars give this song a very powerful touch. Well balanced keyboards in the background and a flowing guitar growing into an emotional vocal part, tells you it's time for Nothingness. Vocally, an addition to the previous song, but slightly distorted this time, the overall impression turns out this song is again completely different from Another World. A cool break, clean guitar and the always present keyboards make me get a warm feeling inside. The electronics that open Soon, are in perfect balance with an occasional, but powerful guitar. The multi-layered keyboards and distinctive vocals will make sure you won't be bored listening to this great song. Where I was confused earlier about the drum parts on this album, Final Destination gives the answer. There are programmed drums, but done so very well that this is the first song I really noticed it. On this rocking pop song (or should I say popping rock song) the focus lies on the programmed instruments, combined with Djam's vocals, who doubled them in some places. Creating a folky atmosphere with acoustic guitar and nice keyboards, After The Rain opens in a different way than we have heard on this album before. This is the last chance to enjoy the typical vocals of this French mastermind. An orchestral atmosphere, a cool solo, followed by a nice keyboard melody abruptly ends the album. For a first attempt, Colour Green turns out to be an album that could lead to a wider audience for this stunning French musician. The variety of the compositions works very well, but also could be the outcome of a writing process that took a long time. Listening to Djam's voice, I just have to say, you love it or you hate it. For me it turned out that it works for me. Not a perfect voice, but a voice that is going to be recognized. And that is even better. **** Pedro Bekkers (edited by Robert James Pashman) Where to buy? |
