2023
The Fish Who Wanted To Be King
No guests, no overdub tourism: a tight five-piece band record, and a concept drawn from the spirit of Dada.
The record
French composer, keyboard player and record producer Vivien Lalu set out on a captivating musical journey with The Fish Who Wanted To Be King. Delving into progressive rock, he crafted a very special album that showcases his dedication to the genre.
Leading the charge with his mesmerizing vocals is the acclaimed Damian Wilson (Arena, Ayreon, Threshold), known for his versatility and emotive delivery. Together with Vivien on keyboards, Jelly Cardarelli (Adagio, Klone, Sweet & Lynch) on drums, Joop Wolters on guitars and bass, and Matt Daniel on Hammond organ and extra piano and keyboards, they form a musical force to be reckoned with.
In a departure from the previous albums, Vivien chose not to feature any guest musicians, opting instead for the synergy and cohesion of a tight-knit group. That decision lets the collective talents of the five-piece line-up shine, creating a seamless sonic tapestry.
Vivien and Joop joined forces in composing the ideas and intricate arrangements that define the album's sound. The lyrical depth and the vocal lines are the creation of Damian Wilson, whose writing and conceptual contributions bring an added layer of artistry and storytelling to the music.
Jelly Cardarelli's powerful drumming brings energy and dynamism to the band's sound. His expertise extends to audio engineering, mixing and mastering, and his contribution as co-producer resulted in a solid mix that accentuates the intricacies and nuances of each instrument.
The album's visual identity is equally compelling, with artwork created by Mattias Norén (Epica, Derek Sherinian, Planet X, Star One), whose visuals provide a striking representation of the album's themes and concepts.
With The Fish Who Wanted To Be King, Lalu showcase their mastery of progressive rock: intricate melodies, thought-provoking lyrics and awe-inspiring performances.
The concept
The album draws inspiration from the spirit of the original pioneers of Dada, who vehemently opposed war and ridiculed the power structure of their time. It challenges conventional notions and delves into the realms of hierarchy, accountability and adaptability.
Continuing the narrative from Paint The Sky, the album goes deeper into the utopian aspirations of its travellers. Their pursuit takes an unexpected turn as they encounter The Blockchain, a digital platform of absolute transparency and accountability, where every aspect is meticulously defined and any deviation swiftly flagged. Unbeknownst to the travellers, the very survival skills that once propelled them forward are turned against them, leading to manipulation, entrapment and eventual destruction fuelled by their own fears.
The album invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of hierarchy, survival and adaptability in an ever-changing world, drawing on the rebellious spirit of Dadaism, challenging traditional power structures and advocating for individual freedom and expression.
Tracklist
- Forever DigitalThe travellers are sent up in exploding rockets believing they are heading towards a utopia. Instead they find themselves existing as mere imprints on The Blockchain, their physical existence destroyed.
- The Fish Who Wanted To Be KingAwakening in their new digital existence, they find their needs met and feel little difference from before. Complying and rising within the realm becomes crucial: failing to do so means losing the sensations of life.
- Deoxyribonucleic AcidA false sense of perfection, biological set against digital in a world that is immutable. Everything is cross-checked, validated and held accountable, leaving no room for error.
- Is That A London Number?Damian sings from a page of the 1955 London telephone directory. The police siren and the evolving vocals stand for the control that comes with stored information. The song ends in true Dada style.
- Amnesia 1916The relevance of the present to the events of 1916 that shaped Dada. Is our ability to forget part of our survival, or the reason we keep recreating the same atrocities?
- A Reversal Of FortuneAn instrumental piece on the reversal of fate and the unpredictable nature of circumstance.
- The Wondering KindOn the tendency to ignore signs when it serves us. However we choose to define ourselves, our human attributes characterise us. The future lies within the wonder mind.
Line-up
- Damian Wilson - Vocals
- Vivien Lalu - Keyboards
- Jelly Cardarelli - Drums
- Joop Wolters - Guitars, bass
- Matt Daniel - Keyboards, Hammond organ, piano
Sleeve notes
Vivien Lalu"I never make the same album twice, let alone the same song twice. With this latest project I wanted to approach things differently, adopting a process that mirrored the dynamics of a band. Taking a seat behind my synthesizers, and occasionally a piano, I began recording my ideas while playing basic drum patterns on the keyboard. These initial recordings served as a blueprint for the songs."
"I would then share these drafts with my long-time collaborator of twenty years, Joop Wolters, who skillfully crafted the guitar and bass parts. Our collaborative approach fostered a sense of freshness and adaptability throughout the process. We had the freedom to trim or expand sections as we felt necessary, allowing each member to express their creativity to the fullest. The ultimate aim was to grant everyone involved complete artistic freedom in their respective roles."
"This approach fostered a sense of unity and cohesiveness. We achieved a sound that truly reflected the collective efforts and artistic contributions of each musician. It was an opportunity for everyone to shine and bring their unique talents to the forefront."
Damian Wilson"The Fish Who Wanted To Be King is an album concept that draws inspiration from the spirit of the original pioneers of Dada, who vehemently opposed war and ridiculed the power structure of the time. It challenges conventional notions and delves into the realms of hierarchy, accountability and adaptability."
"The album serves as a poignant reminder of our collective dependence on adaptability and the ever-evolving nature of our existence. As we reflect on the past to gather wisdom, it is the exploration of uncharted territories and the wonders of our own minds that hold the key to unlocking our future."
Credits
- Lyrics, vocal lines and concept by Damian Wilson
- Music composed by Vivien Lalu and Joop Wolters
- Extra intro vocals on The Wondering Kind by Ben Durden
- Recording, audio engineering, mixing and mastering: Jelly Cardarelli
- Produced by Vivien Lalu and Jelly Cardarelli
- Artwork by Mattias Norén, progart.com
- Jelly endorses Tama, Murat Diril, Heats, LosCabos, Gruvgear, Kaptor Trigger, sE Electronics
- Vivien endorses Roland
"Thanks to our families, friends and fans. Extra special thanks to Eleftheria Zavalis, Audrey Watroba, Kimberley Anderson, Alessandro Del Vecchio and Frontiers Records. Dada is the bomb!"