Their debut album, "Et après", is a fine blend of styles, ranging from fellow French symphonic bands like Ange, Atoll and Carpe Diem, but also with a blend of Steve Hackett style guitar playing, as well as a hint of "Wish You Were Here", era Pink Floyd.After their debut release, there were some line-up changes, with drummer, Didier Busson being replaced by Christopher Boulanger. Pascal Libergé came into the band as a keyboard player, alongside Jean-François Périer.
Their second release "L’Écume des jours d’après Boris Vian" is a concept album, based on the 1947 philosophical novel "L’Ecume des jours" (Froth on the Daydream), by Boris Vian.It appears that in 1981, they released a single "Sparadrap/Telephone", but there seems to be no accompanying album.MEMORIANCE’s style on "Et Après", has somewhat of a jazz rock feel at times, but also prevalent is a strong bass sound, some luscious guitar playing (two lead guitars at times) - that is never outrageous - yet is skillfully played. There is also psychedelic rock moments, reminiscent of Pink Floyd, especially in the keyboard and guitar sounds. Overall, they’re never over-the-top or heavy, but they always manage to stay interesting, due to their songs having several movements.A relatively unknown and unique band, even in France, they have managed to record some excellent music and deserve to be heard. If you enjoy the ROGER WATERS era PINK FLOYD, ANGE, ATOLL, CARPE DIEM as well as other symphonic prog, you will enjoy MEMORIANCE.
Memoriance- Et Aprés...
1976
A very enjoyable symphonic record from France that was released in 1976.I like the way they use spacey synths on this album,and the guitar work is quite tasteful.The bass is upfront much of the time. Je Ne San Plus opens with prominant drums until a nice spacey sound comes in around a minute.Vocals are in french and i like them.When the vocals stop the bass,drums and guitar really stand out each time.The tempo picks up 3 1/2 minutes in as we get this prolonged instrumental section with piano.Female vocal melodies 5 1/2 minutes in and the male vocals follow after 6 minutes as she continues.This is my favourite track off the album. La Grange Memoriance opens with drums and guitar before it turns spacey.I like the way the guitar seems to play on endlessly.Keys before 4 1/2 minutes as the guitar stops.Guitar and drums are back quickly as the tempo picks up.The tempo slows right down after 6 minutes as vocals arrive for the first time in this song.Great sound.He yells before 9 minutes as they kick into a higher gear.It sounds so good around 10 1/2 minutes in. Et Apres is maybe even better than the opening track.It's like 1a and 1b for me.The guitar is more aggressive on this tune and check out the druming 3 1/2 minutes in.Vocals 6 1/2 minutes in for first time are whispered and then spoken.The guitar and drums are outstanding 9 minutes in. Tracsir opens with solid drumming and prominant bass as guitar plays over top.The tempo picks up before 3 minutes and shifts again slightly on this instrumental. A very pleasant and enjoyable listen.
Track Listings:
1. Je Ne San Plus (8:47)2. La Grange Memoriance (10:59)3. Et Après (10:23)4. Tracsir (4:48)Total Time 33:77
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Line-up/Musicians:- Jean-Pierre Boulais / lead & rhythm guitars & vocals- Claude Letaillenter / technics (?)- Jean-François Périer / keyboards, vocals- Didier Guillaumat / vocals, lead guitars- Didier Busson / drums, percussion- Michel Aze / bass, vocals
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Memoriance - L'Écume des Jours d'Apres Boris Vian
1979
Track Listings:
1. Préface (0:59)
2. Colin (2:14)
3. Une Fille Demain (2:25)
4. Chloé et Colin (3:36)
5. Le Nuage Rose (2:16)
6. Chloé (2:14)
7. Oui Oui Oui (1:49)
8. Le Petit Tas de Neige (4:11)
9. Une Femme Si Béte (4:26)
10. Le Nénuphar (2:32)
11. Diagnostic (0:39)
12. Renvoyé (2:46)
13. La Chambre (0:32)
14. L'Administration (1:44)
15. Vers une Ile (5:50)
