2003-03-15
Rousseau is definitely not a group of kids trying to do progressive rock.
They’re adult musicians that know exactly what they’re doing. After releasing 3 albums during the 80’s, came the time for the forth – “At the Cinema”.
The result might not stand up to the standards of Pink Floyd, Genesis, Traffic and Camal but on the other hand there aren’t many bands who does.
As for themselves Rousseau gives a likable album, with remarkably good guitar solos. Reminds a bit of Elton John together with David Gilmour and perhaps a bit modern progressive rock like the quite songs of Flower Kings only with a lot less technique developments.
“At the Cinema” opens with quite piano that suppose to get the listener to the mellow, flowing atmosphere of the album and after it starts “now or never” with several seconds of drum loops and straight out to a short but powerful 80’s
glam-rock guitar solo. Singer/Guitarist Jorg Schwarz sounds and plays like David Gilmour at his later concerts.
As with all good progressive rock band there are several not half bad Instrumental parts. Check out the guitar parts in the Pink Floydish “Rendez-Vous”
And “Waterfront” as well as Rainer Hofmann keyboard parts at “Amour Fou”.
There interesting guitar/oboe parts by Jorg Schwarz and guest musician Andrea Timmer in “retreat”.
The lyrics are catchy almost to Aerosmith level but the excellent choruses mange to cover it up. Check out “If this is heaven” with guest keyboardist Jan Muhldorfer.
There are a couple of songs based almost entirely on guitar and singer with the rest of the band joining at the choruses, very much Bob Dylan or Jason Donovan style. “Through” is a refreshing brake.
The album was recorded in Germany by a French record company. The production is pretty cheap, an unsuccessful attempt to achieve 70s sound.
At whole “At the Cinema” is a delightful album with a light, flowing atmosphere 70s-80s style.
Tal Galfsky
