According to their blurb Hauteville “conjure up a highly original blend of progressive rock, AOR and hard rock,” and that Relief Data Incomplete “sees classic mix with the modern to produce an album high in the originality and class stakes.” Nothing like loving yourself is there?  

The album is produced by guitarist Didier Therry and features the “beautiful female vocals of” Lydie Gosselin. My initial reaction whilst listening to the opening track was that it was pleasant if a little unmemorable. Indeed by the time that the next song From Adam to Atom had finished I was thinking about adjectives such as bland or maybe even dull! 

However, as the album wears on and with repeated listens it becomes clear that Relief Data Incomplete is a definite grower. In fact I’d argue that in a few weeks from now I’ll be listening to it intently as whilst the songs lack immediacy they make up for it in being extremely well played and produced (it would be damning Hauteville with faint praise to call them tasteful.) 

Ms Gosselin sounds very like Kate Bush at times – this is always a good thing and the group have a somewhat European sensitivity and this most definitely music for grown ups. What it most definitely isn’t,  is metal. It’s not even that heavy although liberal use of guitar is noticeable throughout the album 

What this album lacks more than anything else is a standout killer track, a track with a memorable hook, something that would maybe get them on the radio, something a little bit different than the rest of what’s here as it is samey in places. I have read in other places that some think that Hauteville’s next album will be a real contender and I’d probably agree with that as many of the elements for success all already within the band’s reach. It’s just a case of allying their undoubted technical ability and trying to get Mr. Tune to come out and play. 

This is the type of record that could easily be dismissed upon first listen and put in the CD rack and left to rot because of its lack of immediacy. However, I remain confident that in weeks to come this album will come out for reappraisal and will probably seem better than it does now.

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Track List

Monster (The Race)
From Adam To Atom
Pefectablism
Immaculate Eyes
Like Anybody Hellse
The Perfect Lens
Relief Data Incomplete
Jaywalker
Reflection
There Be Dragons

Line Up

Lydie Gosselin – Vocals
Didier Therry – Keyboards, Bass, Guitars.
Denis Turmel – Guitars
Laurent Ober - Bass
Vincent Turmel – Drums