review by daniel

This effort by the french band Pulsar mainly relies on atmosphere for its effect. In this case it does not mean the kind of “soundscaping” were the instruments blend together in an expressionless sludge. The instruments (mellotron, electric and acoustic guitars, piano, violin and flute to name a few) are given plenty of space to develop their different themes properly. The piece is divided into two parts, aptly titled “Halloween part 1” and “Halloween part 2”, and the atmosphere it creates is sombre and dreamy. At times the dreamy qualities border on the nightmarish (like the creepy breathing of a frightened person in the beginning of Halloween part 2). I like that.

Some people might dislike the french accent of the singer (that makes his singing sound quirky and sometimes awkward). Others might find the whole affair somewhat draggy. Well, I admit that this is not the record to put on when you feel like headbanging for a while, but when you are in the right mood it is a real treat.