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THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT

Psychedelic/Space Rock • France


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The Black Noodle Project picture
The Black Noodle Project biography
Founded in Paris, France in 2001

- The Black Noodle Project was started as a one man project with Jérémie Grima as the brainchild. He was born in the suburb of Paris and was to record personal musical wishes totally disconnected from a band inspiration. After a few months of searches some tracks came out. In the middle of 2002, The Black Noodle Project started to become a genuine band. Jérémie created songs and songs until proposing a demonstration full of 11 tracks. Against all odds, some labels ovated the album "Dark Smiles". It finally landed on the desk of a French label Musea Records which propose to manage the distribution on the French market in 2003. Recording a new album became the very first motivation for Jérémie. With the help of Bertrand Pinsac and Laura Sénéchal, Jérémie decided to create a label based on partnership relations called B-Smile Records. Under this name, albums were produced in an independent way and The Black Noodle Project was its first signature. And then the second album "And Life Goes On." was launched in 2005. During the recording Jérémie asked friends as musicians to give their experience and lead the album to perfection. Thus, Arnaud Rousset drummer for the band Brainstore, Antony Létevé, bass guitar for the band Spectrum of Oblivion. and Matthieu Jaubert on keyboards joined Jérémie lead guitar and vocals. "And Life Goes On." was recorded at the Art Evolution studios in Vanves during the hottest nights of the last summer. Five shorts and intense weeks but with a great satisfaction : the birth of the first album also managed by the "all mighty" Elad Berliner, sound manager. For personal reasons, Arnaud left the band but was immediately replaced by Franck Girault. And then, The Black Noodle Project decided to welcome a second guitarplayer named Sébastien Bourdeix. In 2006 The Black Noodle Project released thier third effort entitled Play Again, it's also distributed by French progrock label Musea.
- The music on the third album sounds like a pleasant blend of 70-73 Pink Floyd, some Porcupine Tree and the melancholic progressive pop from bands like Eighties The Cure and Radiohead and even Coldplay. The emphasis is on atmospheres and emotion,it often sounds very compelling with wonderful work on the violin in some tracks along soaring organ and sensitive electric guitar.

Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com : This is an interesting new French progrock band with the emphasis on emotion and...
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THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT discography


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THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.84 | 72 ratings
And Life Goes On
2004
2.98 | 32 ratings
Stereoscope
2005
3.35 | 59 ratings
Play Again
2006
3.73 | 72 ratings
Eleonore
2008
3.78 | 92 ratings
Ready to Go
2010
3.88 | 70 ratings
Ghosts & Memories
2013
3.99 | 102 ratings
Divided We Fall
2017
3.49 | 42 ratings
Code 2.0
2020
3.42 | 19 ratings
When the Stars Align, It Will Be Time
2022

THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.89 | 9 ratings
And Live Goes On.... in Poland
2009

THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

0.00 | 0 ratings
Dark Smiles... (demo)
2003
4.06 | 13 ratings
Dark & Early Smiles - Demos from '03 to '05
2011
0.00 | 0 ratings
(Im)Memorial (with Eyes Front North)
2012

THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 When the Stars Align, It Will Be Time by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.42 | 19 ratings

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When the Stars Align, It Will Be Time
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars When The Black Noodle Project first started many years ago it was in many ways a one-man project, that of Jérémie Grima, and now here we have their latest studio album and, in many ways, it has reverted back to that, just with a different person at the helm. Jérémie left after 2017's 'Divided We Fall', and this is the second album since then with guitarist Sébastien Bourdeix now providing all instrumentation apart from drums (which are by Tommy Rizzitelli) while female singer Sab Elvenia provides lead on three numbers. Rizzitelli had been in the band for the 2017 release, but with the departure again of bassist Anthony Létévé as well as drummer Fabrice Berger the only tie back to the band's career is Bourdeix. I must confess to finding it somewhat strange that Bourdeix has continued to use the same name, as musically this has nothing in common with their other releases, but I guess TBNP is one which progheads recognise, even if the music is quite different to what one would expect from that band.

There is a much heavier use of guitar in this version of the band, and musically it is far removed from what I expect, and consequently there is no doubt it has flavoured my opinion of it. It is hard to be fully objective about this as while my brain is telling me there are some excellent moments contained within, and I particularly like the use of acoustic guitar and the production is sublime throughout, this is not music I ever expected to hear from this band. Elvenia has a nice voice, with an interesting edge which has some similarities with Steve Nicks, but we very much do not have a band influenced heavily by Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd. I know bands change over time, and the core singer/writer can depart and they continue (Genesis, Spock's Beard etc), but in terms of this band, they were originally signed by Musea due to a multi-instrumentalist's demos, there literally was no band apart from Grima. Not only will this possibly not find favour with those who enjoy the older material, there is also the risk that potential new fans will not investigate given they did not like the old band, so it will be intriguing to see what Bourdeix does in the future. There is no doubt this is a much better album than the last one, but what will the next one bring?

 Code 2.0 by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2020
3.49 | 42 ratings

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Code 2.0
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars I first heard from Jérémie Grima around the time of their debut album in 2004, 'And Life Goes On, and over the years I have watched TBNP change from a one-man project with session musicians to a full band. Sébastien Bourdeix was the next person to actually join, and together they recorded 'Stereoscope' in 2005, with the band becoming a full unit sometime later. As is usual, I played the album before reading the press release and was somewhat surprised when I listened to it, as it contains little of the elements which I associate with them. Their last album, 2017's 'Divided We Fall', was one I gave top marks to and described it as wonderful, amazing, and indispensable, but this one not so much.

Previously they have been heavily influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree, with lyrics in English, and a compelling sound but here there is an album that is virtually instrumental and what lyrics there are, are in French. This led me to the press release, and the realisation that this is a TBNP album where Jérémie has played no part (apparently, he is working on his latest novel), which is a bit like having Pendragon without Nick Barrett, Jadis without Gary Chandler, or Galahad without Stu Nicholson. True, his wife has provided the artwork so one has to imagine this is amicable, and possibly temporary, but in many ways what we have here is an offshoot and not the real deal. Sébastien Bourdeix provides most of the instrumentation, and he has been joined by bassist Anthony Létévé and drummer Fabrice Berger, both ex-members of the band, neither of whom played on the last release.

The result is an album which is pleasant while it is playing, but rarely more than that. Ideas seem to meander as opposed to having real focus and is something which is absolutely perfect as background music but little more than that. It contains a great deal of space, and at times is quite minimalist, and is far removed from what I really expect from The Black Noodle Project who have long been a favourite of mine. Sébastien has been part of the band for more than 15 years and I can see why he would want to keep using the name, as he has been an integral part of their success, but I would much prefer it if this has been put out as a solo project as then I would have approached it quite differently, but as it is, I cannot help but compare it with what has gone before. Minimalist in a post rock, post prog kind of way, with elements of Radiohead and Pink Floyd, often with fairly basic piano, this is a nice release but do not expect it to be something which ties in with the rest of the canon.

 Code 2.0 by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2020
3.49 | 42 ratings

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Code 2.0
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by alainPP

4 stars Latest album to date in BLACK NOODLE PROJECT and summary of their latest albums here with a return to their roots. A sound that smells good with prog, post-rock and rock-hovering and melancholy groups (not depressive, we agree !!) Touches of PINK FLOYD, RADIOHEAD, a bit of KWOON and above all the cheerful, fruity and ethereal atmospheres of ANATHEMA from their 2nd version, that of Alternative 4. 7 acts come to set the "la" to make you vibrate, 7 almost instrumental tracks with dreamlike crescendos leading to a solemn tranquility, 7 bewitching pieces where music becomes an art. Attention, the BLACK NOODLE PROJECT do not invent their own sounds but they allow themselves with Sébastien to cross again the spaces of spleen without falling into them. Note the help of his son and his companion on the last song sung, a title also coming from the musical ether. An album to have to listen to during the short summer nights, in search of shooting stars for example. Many artists arise with age by offering intimate sequences rather than moments of twirling sounds, this album is a perfect example.
 Divided We Fall by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2017
3.99 | 102 ratings

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Divided We Fall
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars French band THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT has a history that goes back to 2001, initially a solo project of band leader Grima but over time developing into a band venture, albeit one with more of a floating line-up. "Divided We Fall" is the band's seventh studio production, and was released through German label Progressive Promotion Records at the tail end of 2017.

"Divided We Fall" documents that The Black Noodle Project are still very good at doing their thing, and while perhaps coming a cross as a bit more Floydian on this album than on their previous couple of studio albums they maintain a strong by how they opt to use guitar solos and effects with more of a textured mode of delivery. An album for existing fans of the band, who will not be disappointed, and one that fans of late 70's Pink Floyd should take note of and check out at some point.

 Divided We Fall by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2017
3.99 | 102 ratings

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Divided We Fall
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

5 stars Four years on from their last album and Jérémie Grima (guitars, voice, programming) and Sébastien Bourdeix (guitars) are back with the sixth studio album. They are the only survivors from the line-up that recorded 'Ghosts & Memories', and here they are joined by Tommy Rizzitelli (drums) and Frédéric Motte (bass). The band was originally a solo outing by Jérémie, and we were first in contact at about the time of the debut album back in 2004. I have always enjoyed their music, but this time they appear to have taken it to another level. They have always been heavily influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree, but this time I believe we need to add Muse to the mix plus a real feeling of self-awareness and control. Heavily instrumental, this is an emotional album with the guitar often at the forefront, with just a few notes plucked from the ether to create something that is very special indeed.

From the very first sounds of "Isolation" I felt that I was onto something very special indeed and decided to not listen to the album until I could sit and give it the sole attention it deserved. I decided against headphones, but instead sat quietly in the middle of a room and let the sound wash over me (accompanied just by a rather large glass of rum, just to keep me company). There is a presence and self-control in this album that other bands need to pay attention to: there is no need to play five thousand notes to the bar when every note is placed with such perfection. There is a deep melancholy within this, with emotions let rampant, and a crying guitar that David Gilmour would be proud of. I have found it hard to write the review as I keep stopping just to bask in the splendour of this release.

It may have come out right at the end of the year, but possibly that makes it the perfect Christmas present for the discerning proghead who doesn't know what he/she is missing out on? They riff when they need to, and there is so much space within the layers that the proverbial truck could waltz right through, while the rhythm section not only when to crunch into life, but also when to sit quietly drinking their caf' au lait, and let the two guys at the front create some real magic. Album of the year? Well, there have been some great releases and I would have to go back and play them all to be sure. But, easily in my Top Ten and I have reviewed nearly 600 in 2017. Wonderful, amazing, indispensable, and if you enjoy any of the bands listed above then you simply have to get this

 Ghosts & Memories by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2013
3.88 | 70 ratings

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Ghosts & Memories
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars French band THE BLACK NOODLE PROJECT started out as the solo project of Jeremie Grima back in 2001. The first album was released in 2004, and since then the solo project has developed into a proper band while half a dozen or so albums have seen the light of day. "Ghosts & Memories" is their most recent studio production, and was released through the German label Progressive Promotion Records.

The Black Noodle Project explores the ebb and flow dynamics of post rock fairly thoroughly on their 2013 album "Ghosts & Memories". Mainly without turning to post rock as a stylistic expression as such, although they do utilize some textured instrument layers on occasion. Atmospheric laden and fairly often dark toned progressive rock that ebbs and flows between delicate, frail landscapes and majestic, grandiose arrangements is the end result, and one that also sports a solid nod to progressive rock giants Pink Floyd at the end. And if you enjoy bands such as Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree, alongside having an interest in post rock, this is a CD that merits an inspection.

 Ghosts & Memories by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2013
3.88 | 70 ratings

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Ghosts & Memories
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars So here is the latest album from French group The Black Noodle Project, one that sees them stay firmly in the realm of Pink Floyd, yet becoming more atmospheric, and at times darker and heavier, than previously. I have been in contact with these guys since the very first release, and the more I listen to them the more I enjoy what they are doing. Some may argue that when one is so heavily influenced by another group then that questions the very validity of what they are doing themselves, but there are many within the genre that have a similar approach, and as long as the band are attempting their own style within the field of influence then I don't have a major issue with it. Yes, there are passages within 'Ghosts' that could have come from 'Dark Side' and these do seem a little close to the mark, but generally this is another fine album from a band who are consistently releasing strong albums.

The vocals have taken more of a back seat with this release, with an emphasis on the atmosphere and overall feel and the vocals become part of that as opposed to being an important presence: they are just another instrument to be used. In many ways this is a hard album to judge, as if I was not aware of anything that had been released by Pink Floyd then I would be hailing this as a masterpiece, particularly with songs such as the brooding and oppressive 'A Purple Memory'. But, given that I, like many progheads, own all of Pink Floyd's releases I have to gauge this in relation to those. Conversely, I also need to factor in just how much I have enjoyed playing this as opposed to who may have been an important influence on what they are doing. Simply put, if you enjoy the style of mid-Seventies Pink Floyd and you don't worry that it isn't been performed by the boys themselves then this is essential. Nothing more or less.

 Ghosts & Memories by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2013
3.88 | 70 ratings

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Ghosts & Memories
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by Evolver
Special Collaborator Crossover & JR/F/Canterbury Teams

3 stars Through repeated listenings, the comparison of The Black Noodle Project to Pink Floyd remains at the forefront of my perception of their music. Primarily in song and chord structure, the similarities to Floyd are too strong to be ignored. More than just passing references, rhytmic and chord structures seem to be lifted from "Animals" and "Wish You Were Here" primarily, and various other PF works to a lesser extent.

What separates this from being a straight up Pink Floyd clone are the harsher tones this band uses to perform the pieces. To me, it sounds as if Karnivool, or a band like them were performing Floyd tracks. This is not altogether a bad thing. The music is quite powerful, and creates an enjoyable listening experience.

Were it not for the prevalent Pink Floyd overtones, I might give this 4 stars. But the derivative sound of the album reduces theb rating to only 3 stars.

 Ghosts & Memories by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2013
3.88 | 70 ratings

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Ghosts & Memories
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by Raccoon

4 stars I seldom write reviews, but here I make an exception. To define Ghosts & Memories in a genre would be... Psychedelic Post-Rock, in my humble opinion. This hidden gem only claims 7 ratings so far, all of which are high. I noticed the great ratings with little reviews, so credit's due to Second Life Syndrome's break- down of this album. Because of which, I listened. There's a bit of Floydian in the soundscapes, but not enough to deem The Black Noodle Project clones of any sort. Hugely influenced by Post-Rock, the guitar builds on suspicious, eerie chords progressing towards its grand conclusion--relaxing, powerful, and hypnotic. The use of repetition only lures the listener deeper into the music, adding layers of instruments (whether it be floating keyboards, screaming guitar, or rhythmic drums) every cycle. For me, this was the first Black Noodle Project album I've heard and what a great start to this amazing French band.

As Second Life Syndrome said, 'They Live, We Sleep' is "a great representative of the whole album." 'They Live, We Sleep' is posted on Youtube, with a fantastic video representing the song. Footage of vintage companies including Pepsodent, Chevrolet, etc. leading up to the mighty guitar which can only be represented by real footage of an atomic bomb ripping through test-site households. With dreamy soundscapes leading to an exploding guitar, I can't compare this album to anything out there. This style should appeal to anyone, whether you like your instrumental music calm and collected, or manic and chaotic. Some moments reach such heights, you'll never forget the riff. After the song's over, after the album's over, you'll still remember these brilliantly-crafted, cloud-reaching riffs.

The only flaw keeping this album from perfection is how each song sounds similar. Overall, Ghosts & Memories plays out like one towering song. Sitting at 49 minutes, some listeners may not be patient enough to listen through its entirety. Only on a few occasions do we sample Black Noodle's vocals. This is merely used as another instrument, never focused on singing, which creates a cohesive sound throughout. With the atmosphere already laid out, the vocals only add to it. Once in a while, you may not even realize there's someone singing!

 Ghosts & Memories by BLACK NOODLE PROJECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2013
3.88 | 70 ratings

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Ghosts & Memories
The Black Noodle Project Psychedelic/Space Rock

Review by Second Life Syndrome
Prog Reviewer

4 stars No matter how I try, I can't get over how much I like this band's name. The Black Noodle Project hails from France, and they play a great psychedelic form of prog. Now, I've heard two other releases from them, "Play Again" and "Eleonore". Both of those albums are great. However, I will definitely say that this new album "Ghosts & Memories" is the best of those three.

If I had to be rather technical, I'd called TBNP "psychedelic post rock". Well, at least on this album. I love that about them, as they do experiment and try to progress their sound. I am very impressed with their seeming post rock style on this album, as their roaring, yet somehow delicate, guitar lines have a very long, overarching structure to them. The songs climax in glorious, epic moments that you will certainly remember after the album is finished.

As I said, TBNP uses a hauntingly rough guitar sound, but they also use great, mellow synth, gorgeous piano, some electronic elements, and a marching, well-paced drum style. I think that "They Live, We Sleep" is a great representative of the whole album, as it contains all of these and also some great high-tuned, wailing guitar work. That said, every single track on "Ghosts & Memories" is wonderfully written and performed. There is no filler, even in the tracks with longer structures, such as "The Wanderer of Lost Moments".

Emotion and ambiance rule the day here, as the seemingly sorrowful nostalgia that we experience is quite heavy at times. The vocals that appear here and there are very nice, and I really wish there would have been more, honestly. If there is one thing I can fault on this album, it would be the under-utility of the vocalist. The rest of the album, though, does make up for this for the most part, especially such amazing tracks as "The Owls (Are Not What They Seem) and "Shades of Tomorrow" (possibly my favorite). Climbing, ever climbing, guitar melodies and the persistence of spacey, haunting feelings keeps this album alluring and fascinating.

I am supremely impressed with the imprint that this album leaves on me after I hear it. It is dark, creative, and just plain interesting. Foreboding at times, warm and cozy at others; this album is quite a ride that will make you think about it for a while afterwards. The great guitar hooks, the ghostly atmospheres, and the roller-coaster ride of melody all add up to a wonderful experience that will definitely keep you coming back to this album time and again.

Thanks to erik neuteboom for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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