http://www.dprp.net/reviews/2018-017#weendo
Weend’ô – Time Of Awakening
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Weend’ô are a band hailing from France, whose music is described as a mix of Pink Floyd‘s ambiance and Tool‘s modern riffing. They are described as « exploring the depths of the human psyche: its qualities and faults, its fears and joy, its relationships… The lyrics are written from real experiences and through melodic progressive rock, the audience is invited to a journey from the inside. » Time Of Awakening is their third release, following their debut album You Need to Know Yourself, and their live acoustic album Fairytalacoustic.
Time Of Awakening – Part 1 begins the journey with a minimalistic, yet ensnaring sound with some beautiful vocal work by Laetitia. There are some interesting riffs, some nice leads and licks. From this track alone, it is easy to see the influences from both Pink Floyd and Tool.
Part 2 has a softer, more « light » beginning, with more use of synths and piano to build the scene. A very chilled and relaxed piece, with some lovely keyboard work.
The final part of the trilogy starts with an almost Opeth type acoustic passage before the full band enters with some proggy goodness. Complex riffing intertwines with the drums and bass to keep you waiting expectantly. A powerful slab of riffs and soaring vocals that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the second half, where it is replaced with atmospherics to let you breathe.
The second half of the album kicks off with Angel Dust. Another slower-paced, more laid back and almost bluesy track, with a bit of a feel to it similar to The Sound Of Muzack by Porcupine Tree. This builds up into quite a powerful track that sounds like a good mix between the aforementioned tree and Anathema.
Elea Part 1 helps showcase the skill of the band, with a beautifully written song that flits between relaxed and a bit melancholy, with more staccato riffing and more anthemic choruses.
Finally, we come to the end of the album with Elea Part 2. A short but sweet finale, this is more just a rolling build up with a vocal melody over the top to bring in the end.
A very good album, perfect for fans of classic prog like Pink Floyd and modern prog such as Anathema and Porcupine Tree. The songs are superbly crafted, and every bit of the album keeps you hooked and content.
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