The Last Word (Le Dernier Mot), by Philharmonie

The Last Word (Le Dernier Mot)

by Philharmonie

supported by

Deidre House Instrumental prog rock, this time with a full band, drums, bass, and all. It's very well-done. Somewhat reminiscent of 80s King Crimson, but perhaps even better, certainly a bit more reserved and tasteful.

Dr. Beaf Another wounded victim to EB, reinforced by Roy M. The sample track certainly gives indication to how good the album is with the addition of fine drum work throughout. There's some stunning guitar phrases flowing over unique chord progressions full of syncopation and climaxing crescendos to the marvellous changes in quieter passages - dynamics of fusion everywhere, think Yes' Wakeman & Howe. The mixdown of this album is terrific, with emphasis on the bass. Favorite track: Métamorphose (Metamorphosis).

Roy Meerkamper Three guitarists, experimental instrumental rock. Complex, great interplay between them, not background music. Only one track is available for previewing, but the whole album is a good as the one cut. EB got me again.

The Sonic Archives Recording Co. thumbnail

more...

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$10 USD or more

	1.	Rondo Argentina (Argentinean Rondo) 06:34
	2.	Métamorphose (Metamorphosis) 06:19
	3.	Sans Réponse (No One Answering) 05:25
	4.	Bruine (Autumn Rain) 06:30
	5.	Le Dernier Mot (The Last Word) 07:58
	6.	Hannibal À Capoue (Hannibal at Capoue) 09:28
	7.	Campanile 05:27

about

After 10 years of work, Philharmonie disbanded 10/97. They had written & rehearsed all the material for a new release, & once we heard the rough demos, we suggested that they record The Last Word. The music features the amazing, instantly recognizable string interplay that all their albums feature, with the performances generally slanted towards the heavier sound of their previous album, Rage. A great record that gives their many fans a chance to say a final farewell to a band with "a very fresh & different twist on the borderline King Crimson/Rock In Opposition genre" - Audion

"Le Dernier Mot (The Last Word) was the fifth and final release by the French instrumental prog outfit Philharmonie. The group had disbanded in October 1997, but some things had been left unsaid and original members Frédéric L'Épée (guitars) and Bernard Ros (who left his Chapman stick to play the Warr guitar on this album) teamed up with drummer Volodia Brice to record one last album between March and August 1998.
Although rockier, Le Dernier Mot arches back to the wonderful Nord and is everything Rage wasn't: complex, full of emotion, inventive. The opener "Rondo Argentin" is a sad dance reminiscent of "Vers le Nord." Brice's drums are totally unobtrusive and fit perfectly the mood. "Métamorphose" is a very efficient hard-progging number. Both pieces were performed live before October 1997 but were never recorded. "Sans réponse" and "Bruine" are guitar solos that were also part of the live show. "Le Dernier Mot" is the only piece collectively written by this incarnation of the band (although all other tracks have been "revisited", so to speak), a surprising piece opening on a hard-rock theme which boils down to acoustic guitars only to finish harder. "Campanile" is a guitar duet dating from Philharmonie's very early days, a never-recorded live favorite.
If every band's swan song was as good as this, the history of rock music would be a lot more interesting." – AllMusic

credits

released May 15, 1999

Frédéric L'Épée - new standard tuned guitar, traditionally tuned guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, bass, loops
Bernard Ros - Warr guitar loops, guitar
Volodia Brice - drums

license

about

Cuneiform Records Washington, D.C.

Cuneiform Records is an independent record label releasing adventurous, boundary-bursting music by artists from around the world.

Founded in 1984.
Based in Washington D.C.

Recommendations

contact / help

Contact Cuneiform Records

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this album or account

Cuneiform Records recommends:

The Gift of Purpose [Hopper Family Benefit Album]
by Bone (Nick Didkovsky / Hugh Hopper / John Roulat)

The BENEFIT ALBUM for Hugh Hopper's family is now on Bandcamp! Cuneiform Records
go to album

If you like The Last Word (Le Dernier Mot), you may also like:

Hidden Details (HD)
by Soft Machine

supported by 48 fans who also own “The Last Word (Le Dernier Mot)”

I love Soft Machine and everything these players stand for. New track off of Hidden Details is amazing. Long live Soft Machine. gearmanx
go to album
TRUCE
by Markus Reuter (featuring Fabio Trentini and Asaf Sirkis)

supported by 42 fans who also own “The Last Word (Le Dernier Mot)”

I love the originality and the Prog Spund odziatyk
go to album
The Unbelievable Truth
by Elton Dean & The Wrong Object

supported by 42 fans who also own “The Last Word (Le Dernier Mot)”

It's impossible to pick a favourite from this collection of stunning, free-form virtuoso performances. A great mix, allowing all the players' parts to shine. Peter Jones
go to album
Furvent
by Le Grand Sbam

Progressive music ensemble The Grand Sbam's bombastic compositions defy tempo, genre, and description. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 17, 2020
go to album
Computant
by Us, Today

A wild post-rock adventure, powered by complex percussion, jagged guitar lines, and bright vibraphone. Bandcamp New & Notable May 2, 2018
go to album