Album Review: Pelegrin – The Curse of Nephtar
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
French heavy psychedelic trio Pelegrin are back with their third album, “The Curse of Nephtar” which is full of textured melodies, cutting edge riffs, impressive hooks and a progressive sound that is full of Eastern promise. The band tells us that Nephtar is “a powerful black orb that comes to life in the depths of prehistoric ocean Tethys” and relates to how fossil fuels are having a tragic influence on all our lives.
Released via Ripple Music, they begin with the hypnotic “Eons” an intro that leads into a spoken word from guitarist/vocalist Francois Roze. It is all calm and serene with a smattering of volatile noises piercing the narrative but perfectly sets the agenda for what follows across the next 6 songs. The tracks are inspired by “resource curse” theory, which explores the notion that oil-rich nations are less peaceful, developed and democratic than countries without such resources, and they deliver a soundtrack for these chaotic times.
“Sun and Blood” is set off by an elegant bassline from Jason Recoing, joined by Antoine Ebel on drums, to create a powerful rhythm. There’s an echoed vocal that simmers over the top and a guitar solo that draws you closer into their world. The Eastern influence is evident at the start of “In the Company of Stars” with a more reflective mood feeding the progressive nature of the ambitious song, with hooks aplenty and mesmerising vocals over gentle, catchy riffs.
With next song “Drawn to Nephtar” the band explain that the black orb manipulated us into thinking it “will create an era of plenty for all” but the heavier tones and bubbling bass create an explorative track that deepens the notion of the curse. This gives way to “Plenty”, which feels like an awakening or an out of body experience guiding us somewhere safe. The guitars are dynamic and intricate with the rhythm moving along at pace underneath, combining to make another enthralling song.
There’s an immediate explosiveness to “The Price to Pay” which gives way to a smoother melody across the composition. They dig deep with some heavier riffs as if to hammer home the message of the lyrics, and the mid-section solo is expansive before it hooks you back in with a slowed down percussion piece. The group try to “Break the Omen” on the final track, which is full of haunting melodies and emotional vocals, as they seem to have given up all hope on the Nephtar and succumbed to the chaotic world in which we live.
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