Harmonium

[Umma]

Harmonium - Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison - 1975

Being somewhat lacking in the French Canadian language, I dont understand a lot of the lyrical value on this album but that matters little. It's been one of the most relaxing discoveries of the past year and I think will be a lasting favourite on my playlist.

Classed as progressive rock, I've been reliably informed that 'Si on avait besoin d'une cinquième saison' is the best album Harmonium have released.

Harmonium's Web Site

Link to the full review by Yves Dube

Si On Avait Besoin D'une Cinquieme Saison ,

'If a fifth season were necessary', may be the single greatest progressive rock record ever to come from Quebec. By 1975 Harmonium had already established themselves in Quebec as THE premiere musical act. Their self-titled debut disc had already produced political and cultural anthems which are still held near and dear to the Quebecois heart 30 years later. It would have been easy for Serge Fiori and Co. to remain in this vein and assure themselves continued success. But these were the 1970's and rock was about exploration, change, and improvement.

Broken down into 5 tracks, representing the 4 seasons and the imagined, utopian, fifth season, this record marks a departure for this band from the purely folk influenced music of their debut , and into the realms of progressive rock. Bands like Genesis, Gentle Giant, and Pink Floyd had all been making headway with the Quebecois youth and Harmonium decided to broaden their sound and incorporate many of the instruments they heard from these British bands. Mellotrons, mandolins, flutes,zither harps,accordeons, dulcimers, and electric pianos were added to the mix ; creating a lush pastoral sound which became the benchmark by which all future Quebecois progressive outfits would be measured.

VERT: Spring and the arrival of colours.

Vocal harmonizing and ethereal flutes dominate this track which overflows with life and hope, brought on the by the arrival of spring. Like spring, the track ends a little sooner than expected and gives way to summer.

DIXIE: The arrival of the summer heat.

Short and sweet , with a southern touch. Whimsical number which has a hoedown feel to it. Like summer it seems to end almost as quickly as it begins.

DEPUIS L'AUTOMNE: The arrival of autumn and the departure of many things.

Long , melancholic track which dwells on the permanence of change. As the days shorten and leaves dry up and fly away, we're often left to ponder about opportunities missed. As we bundle up and huddle for warmth in our homes, we seem to disconnect from each other and enter moments of quiet introspection.

EN PLEINE FACE: Winter and the departure of many people.

A haunting melody which has a cold detached feel to it. Fiori's voice sounds like a solitary cry in the face of a raging, freezing wind. The cold bleakness of winter has many people seeking a brief refuge of warmer climate leaving those left behind to feel even more isolated .

HISTOIRES SANS PAROLES: The fifth season

Spanning nearly the entire length of all the other tracks combined, this song tells the tale of the idealistic fifth season. Words are not necessary as all beings communicate through a general well-being. This track may be the one which caught the attention of progressive rock enthusiasts around the world and made the Harmonium name part of the prog vernacular. Filled with pastoral melodies, luxuriant arrangements, and ethereal musical passages; this track single-handedly defines the Quebecois progressive movement of the 1970's, and closes a superlative musical journey.

Harmonium were not done yet. This disc was merely a precursor to their magnum opus, the double disc L'Heptade which pushed the boundaries even further. The argument as to which of these records is the better has been debated on many progressive rock forums. In this reviewer's opinion, both are essential for anyone exploring the 1970's Quebecois music scene.

Yves Dube