Pascal Languirand (Quebec)

The son of Canadian parents, Pascal Languirand is born in Paris, France, in 1955. While most of his childhood is spent in Québec, he often accompanied his father, an author, on his inspirational trips to Mexico. His interest in musical composition surfaces at the age of 18, which directs him into studies in both communications and electronic music at McGill University. (He would also complete some studies in the field of cinematography at Concordia University.)

His first album, "Minos", appeared in 1978, and saw itself accompanied by a great series of television interviews and presentations. The title seems to reflect a side of Languirand's personality, as he is seen wearing the same word on his shirt on the back cover. The album immediately showcases Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream influences, two groups well known for their electronic experimentation. This musical style was still quite an interesting novelty at the time for both media and record companies within Québec (who'd only just received their first tastes with Dionne Brégent's two albums, in 1976 and 1977). Languirand appears to play all the instruments on this album majoritarily filled with hypnotic pieces dominated by synthesizers, but occasionally seeing the presence of guitar, bass, and even percussions. (Only a female voice seems not to come from Languirand himself, even though absolutely no one is credited.) The use of minor chords and synthesized drones gives the album a mystical, mysterious flavour, and the results demonstrate a serious potential, even if a few pieces seem less successful.

Languirand seduces moreso on his second album, released in 1980, with sonic environments closing in on New Age music. Although it is quite difficult to distinguish this album from Tangerine Dream's canon from the same era, "De Harmonia Universalia" fares quite well against the better-known albums of this genre. Languirand seems to unfurl his spiritual site this time around, with the presence of Latin chant. The album benefits from a more uniform and well-blended sound, with guitar and voice combining well with the various electronic elements. This trait, however, has its inconveniences, as the two tracks that fill the second side seem almost identical... and both seemingly never-ending. Nevertheless, his works are praised for giving birth to the musical style titled "the new classical romanticism".