There is something instinctively magnetic about Moundrag’s music — a kind of raw alchemy forged from keys and drums alone, channeling the primal power of early ’70s Heavy Prog and the unapologetic theatricality of classic Hard Rock. With their sophomore album “DEUX,” the French duo push this formula even further, crafting a sound that feels both rooted in tradition and strikingly modern. While the influences of Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, and Atomic Rooster can be traced in their swirling organ textures, the band’s vision transcends mere homage, unfolding like a vibrant, self-contained world where Prog Rock, Psychedelia and retro-futurism collide. The album opens with “Stormdrummer,” a short yet thunderous instrumental that sets the tone immediately — a whirlwind of percussive energy and organ-driven fury. It’s an unusual but powerful introduction, establishing the duo’s chemistry and hinting at the adventurous spirit that defines the whole record. The following “The Caveman” bursts with electrifying energy: fast-paced rhythms, thick organ riffs, and a chorus that stays imprinted in the listener’s mind. Its retro aesthetic recalls the golden age of Heavy Prog, but Moundrag inject their own eccentric personality into the mix, alternating tempo shifts and dynamic surges that keep the song constantly evolving. With “Changes,” the band slows down slightly, exploring a more melodic and introspective mood. The warm, expressive vocals shine over a marching rhythm and majestic organ lines, while layered harmonies add depth to the chorus. It’s a track that embodies the band’s 1970s spirit but never feels nostalgic — instead, it feels alive, breathing new life into that vintage sensibility. “Limbo,” the album’s longest and arguably most ambitious piece, unfolds over seven minutes of richly orchestrated Prog. Opening with deep organ tones and emotional vocals, it grows into a sumptuous tapestry of Heavy Prog textures, filled with tempo changes, atmospheric detours, and instrumental interplay that highlights the duo’s impressive technical control. Particularly remarkable is the midsection, where experimental passages, subtle synth touches, and symphonic elements merge into a cinematic crescendo — the organ here reigns supreme, monumental yet fluid, driving the song to an exhilarating conclusion. One of the standout singles, “Black Flames”, is pure anthemic energy. Its combination of solid drumming, massive organ chords, and passionate vocals makes it one of the most memorable moments of the album. The chorus has an immediacy that could light up a live audience, while the overall tone remains steeped in that heavy, spiritual kind of Prog that balances power and melody with precision. The brief instrumental “Starkus” works as a refreshing bridge — a burst of tight rhythmic complexity and shifting patterns that underline the duo’s technical prowess. It leads perfectly into “Take Me To The Stars,” a song that blends modern dynamics with classic structures. The vocal arrangements here stand out: melodic yet forceful, wrapped around the driving dialogue between drums and organ. It’s one of the record’s most balanced compositions, showcasing Moundrag’s ability to be both catchy and intricate. With “Morning Epitaph,” the duo revisit their most Progressive and Symphonic side, evoking shades of the Canterbury Scene through refined harmonies and elegant rhythmic interplay. The piece flows naturally, its melodic beauty carried by luminous organ layers and a rhythmic backbone that feels alive and organic. It’s a highlight — one of those moments where musicianship and emotion find perfect equilibrium. The closing “Night Lights” offers a delicate and melancholic finale. Built around acoustic textures and a heartfelt vocal performance, it reveals a different, more vulnerable face of the band. The mood is intimate yet cinematic, enhanced by subtle touches of accordion that lend the song a bittersweet, almost nostalgic atmosphere. It’s the perfect epilogue to an album that constantly shifts between strength and sensitivity, light and shadow. In conclusion, “DEUX” stands as a remarkable statement from Moundrag — an album that honors the roots of Progressive Rock while asserting its own vision with bold confidence. Their interplay of organ and drums feels complete and full-bodied, never lacking depth or intensity despite the minimal setup. Each track contributes to a cohesive journey that moves seamlessly from raw power to emotional introspection. It may not reinvent the genre, but it revitalizes it with authenticity, passion, and a unique sense of purpose. A solid, inspired record that confirms Moundrag as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the modern European Prog-Psych scene.
Tracklist
01. Stormdrummer (02:23)
02. The Caveman (05:29)
03. Changes (04:21)
04. Limbo (07:33)
05. Black Flames (04:15)
06. Starkus (01:46)
07. Tack Me To The Stars (04:26)
08. Morning Epitaph (05:24)
09. Night Lights (04:41)
Lineup
Camille Goellaen Duvivier / Organ & Vocals
Colin Goellaen Duvivier / Drums & Vocals