THE D PROJECT - SHIMMERING LIGHTS

THE D PROJECT - SHIMMERING LIGHTS

Disk 1 . . . . . . .48.31
1. Shimmering Lights . . . . . . 8:54
2. They Come And Grow . . . . 6:23
3. Hide From The Sun . . . . . . 7:59
4. What Is Done Is Done (Rat) . . 3:36
5. End Of The Recess . . . . . . 3:51
6. September Solitudes . . . . 10:08
7. That's Life . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:39
Bonus video

The D Project's official website at:
http://www.thedproject.com/

Line-up
- Stéphane Desbiens: vocals, guitars, keyboards
- Danny Robertson: drums
- Sandra Poulin: violins
- Alyssar: back vocals
- Mathieu Gosselin: bass, Chapman Stick
- Francis Foy: back vocals on Hide From The Sun

additional guests: Fred Schendel (on That's Life), Tomas Bodin (on Hide From The Sun and September Solitudes), Martin Orford (on End of the Recess)

format: Single CD • Ipso Facto # IF2027
release date: April 2006

The D Project' Shimmering Lights is the first solo album of Stéphane Desbiens, lead guitarist of the Quebec-City band Sense. His new solo project revolves around the creation of his new studio and his stunning custom-made ASL 304 guitar, hand-crafted with the help of Jérôme Foy. The music is a guitar-driven combination of sophisticated symphonic prog and hard rock. Stéphane is accompanied on this album by his usual team of collaborators and friends as well as an all-star cast of guest musicians.

The album is composed of seven tracks, plus a bonus video. The first track, Shimmering Light begins with an ethereal, atmospheric intro, building up to a groovy, rhythmic interlude, then the main theme of the album, a great composition with a dynamic beat. They Come And Grow is a captivating track, with a great floyd-ish theme and cool mellotrons in the background, with a quieter passage that features dramatic violins, and ends with a wicked guitar solo by Stéphane. Hide From The Sun is a melancholic ballad, with a guest apperance by Tomas Bodin of The Flower Kings on the synths, a beautiful, moving number with a dramatic ending that links to What Is Done Is Done, an agressive, intense track with a powerful, relentless beat, riveting lyrics and stunning guitar work from Stéphane. End Of The Recess has a quiet, melodic, slightly medieval theme with a beautiful moog contribution from Martin Orford, IQ's keyboardist. September Solitudes, the epic of the album, begins with a bluesy, melancholic theme and features the mesmerizing keyboard work of Tomas, this piece features great back vocals and really showcases the talent of all the musicians involved. That's Life begins with a metal rock intro, a dynamic and catchy track that features breathtaking guitar work from Stéphane, what an amazing player! Glass Hammer's Fred Schendel contributes delicious B3 and moog keyboard work on this track.

Shimmering Lights is an incredibly dynamic, delicately crafted album from a highly creative composer and talented guitarist. It features a wide variety of musical themes, wonderful melodies and harmonies, combined with world-class musicianship and impeccable production quality. I highly recommend this new album, a must for any Sense fan, and if you're not familiar with Stéphane's work, The D Project is a good place to start, a great musical discovery for any classic prog fan.

My rating for Shimmering Lights : 8.6/10(album reviewed by Robert Dansereau - 03/08/2006)