Eros Necropsique – Crises De Lucidité

[Russell]

Eros Necropsique – Crises De Lucidité
Adipocere Records – CDAR75BOX – 2003
By Russell Garwood

French group Eros Necropsique play mediaeval influenced, symphonic and dark music, similar at times to romantic goth (This Mortal Coil style). With sombre piano, sparse violins, heavenly-voices style female singing and male recitation, their sound is definitely not metallic. Organs add a sense of drama, and occasional distorted guitars create heavier sections. At times the synths sound rather false, in an otherwise professional release.

The unhurried, reasonably graceful melancholic compositions are lengthy, developing slowly and rarely feeling substantial. Instead the minimalistic, atmospheric sound is created through repetition and (usually) no more than three instruments, excluding very simple drums. The mediaeval percussion and flute, and intermittent male chanting adds a nice feel, helping create the more compelling tracks on “Crises De Lucidité”.

Despite French lyrics it is not difficult to tell from style and delivery that they are likely to be pretentious, and any band describing themselves as poetic is taking themselves quite seriously. The production is clear and Eros Necropsique’s music is at time catchy and effective. This is not consistent, however, as sometimes it does nothing for me, and the slow, stylistically similar songs can begin to feel repetitive after a time. An interesting band nevertheless, fans of atmospheric, stripped down, chiefly orchestral music should give “Crises De Lucidité” a listen. The first pressing will be a limited edition digi-book.