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(F Communications/Creative Vibes)
Novanova [Marc Durif and Michel Gravil] is yet another fine example of that French finesse that walks the corridors of record label F Communications, the production house that brought us artists like Laurent Garnier, Jori Hulkkonen, The Youngsters, Fabrice Lig, Alexkid and Aqua Bassino to name a few.
Mark and Michel have been producing a mixed bag of electronica for over a decade now. From the house influenced EP’s Metaphysic (1994), La Chanson De Roland (1997) and Basic (1999), to the twisted electro pop slant of Plaid (2000). Since 2000 the pair had not collaborated on any work together. Michel focused his creative talent towards literature and poetry, while Mark continued his pursuit of music as a solo artist.
However, following countless requests from the production house and from fans the world over, they concluded to write several new tracks and select the best of their previous work. The end result being their latest album Memories, dubbed as a “half best-of-album, half EP”.
Marc Durif’s classical composition calibre shines thru with two of the new tracks, Eternity and Variation. These tracks are beauty in the form of modern classical compositions. Long majestic piano string solos sailing side by side a benevolent texture of melody. Soulful male vocals and a dub slant to R&B is prominent in Suddenly. While the boys pay their dues to the influences of catholic religious music in Nova Cantica. It’s a hauntingly-guilt-ridden-Gregorian-Chants kind of track that could comfortably sit on “The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael’s” album.
The last of the new productions is Marta. An absolute highlight track for me with its’ prominent jazz piano and swing beats and undertones. However, a track like this well and truly deserves to be extended above its 2 minute, 40 second mark…
A number of the older tracks that have been released over the last decade also appear. Aleph floats in a warm interstellar cocktail of electro acid. A hint of acid flavour extends to DJ G.G. with a huge shift to the tech trance of yesteryear… this is another highlight track for me. Zephyrel is an epic journey in sound and mood, shifting from the high positioned layers of tingling strings to the low and deep abstract bass. Elisa is a successful and credible attempt at the chilled down alternatives of the drum and bass world.
This is an album that’s a little bit of everything that’s chilled, from an immensely talented couple of guys. It’s a damn shame that this may very well be their last attempt at producing together… in the foreseeable future anyway.
Is F-Communications, is good… recommended.
