Convoj
Exceptionnel
Wonderland Records
Due to a tangle of unforeseen circumstances, Convoj's debut full length has been a long time coming... but "Exceptionnel" has been well worth the wait. While a few friends have expressed disappointment that there are two songs from the previous EP - "My timekeeping heart" and "RAMJAC" (and for anyone who downloaded the demos for "Liberty city" and "Cultural legacy" a while back, there are another two tracks you might be familiar with) - all of these songs have been rerecorded and improved upon, especially "RAMJAC" whose final minutes are fantastic. And seeing how well these earlier tracks complement newer ones like "The shovel", "Grace" and "Ghost buster", it's hard to see how these previously recorded compositions hinder "Exceptionnel" in the least. Continuing on from the angular, yet fluid rock sound established early into their career, Convoj's new effort confirms the band's standing amongst the best of the bunch. Completely unrestrained and unrelenting, and yet paradoxically focused, "Exceptionnel" tears down strange avenues only to erupt into graceful moments of beauty... and then back into their distortion-tinged lightning strike guitars, thick, driving bass, deft drum work, and commanding vocal delivery. There isn't a misstep on "Exceptionnel", nor is there a chance taken that isn't rewarding.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
