Original language: French
Note: 7.5/10 | As the name suggests, referencing the twin towers of St. Lukas Church in Munich, the Lukas Tower Band is a German group with a history spanning over 30 years, but whose current style and discography only really came to light at the beginning of this millennium. Despite their geographic origins, the Lukas Tower Band incorporates English poetry adaptations and stories from the British Isles in their sung pieces.
Musically, the surprise is also complete, as the Lukas Tower Band, like their German counterparts Adaro, works within the folk genre, with Celtic influences to match the previously mentioned references, but also incorporating oriental elements, with many allusions to the harmonies from the other side of the Mediterranean. A surprising journey, therefore, this Albedo – Albedo refers to the coefficient of reflection of sunlight by any given body –, whose title foreshadows the many stylistic shifts the band offers to anyone willing to be led into the dance.
The listener will indeed travel from classic folk rock, tinged with progressive elements of the 70s (such as Sisters and The Sands of Dee), to very traditional Celtic passages, with flute and fiddle taking center stage (the aptly named Medley), evoking groups like Clannad or Fairport Convention. The journey then continues across the Mediterranean, with melodies featuring Middle Eastern influences, where chromatic and tonal harmonies are the norm (Rajah). The middle section of the album, La Bastide, ultimately brings all of these influences together, mixing them boldly for nearly 9 exciting minutes.
Performed by impeccable musicians, the music of Lukas Tower Band offers many thrilling moments, and only a few sections, occasionally lacking harmony – especially in the epic La Bastide – slightly tarnish the picture. However, since the band’s ambition is not to deliver symphonic progressive rock, this may explain the issue. Nevertheless, for the curious and adventurous listener, this remains a very good, refreshing album full of surprises.