Fonya - In Flux

“He’s a superb programmer and arranger, his records are all instrumental, and his guitar/keyboard work, instead of simply mirroring hoary clichés, can’t be simply entangled under the ‘progressive rock’ rubric. So why isn’t Chris Fournier a star? With his third album, Fournier’s compositions have reached yet higher levels of sophistication and complexity. Sudden Shift recalls everyone from Larry Fast, Roger Powell, Eddie Jobson and beyond, as Fournier’s electronic vistas are mini-virtual worlds of unusual, rolling, quasi-symphonic sound. And what’s even more special about the music of Fonya is that it fails to sit comfortably in any easily-defined category: bits of space rock might later morph into Schulzian techno-rock. In any event, connoisseurs of top-notch keyboard music no longer have the excuse to deny Fonya his place among the upper echelon.” [i/e]

“Powerful progressive music influenced by the likes of Craft, Camel, Steve Hackett, Genesis, etc, whose tracks Los Endos & Hairless Heart are given the Fonya treatment, a rousing cover version. What makes Fonya’s music stand out from the crowd is the bass and computer drumming, precise with great impact... a broad soundstage put together with imagination and care... Another fine album from Fonya which should see his popularity grow.” [Sequences]

“A very dynamic instrumental album ...In Flux has a wide range of songs, most of which reminded me of a cross between Tangerine Dream, Genesis, and even some Djam Karet... X Transporter is a blend of heavy (Hackett-esque?) guitars & strong keyboards creating a high-stepping rock ’march’. A really fast-paced, complex prog tune is Tower of Babble with flying keyboards & some memorable melodies, so good it requires a replay before continuing. Fleabitten Cat is another hard rocking song featuring Chris’s accomplished guitar. From Maine Lights to Sodium Lights continues in the heavier vein, with more heated guitar work up front. Another march-like anthem is Resolution, in which guitar & bass blend nicely with the ethereal keyboards & synth. The album is rounded-off with a brilliant cover of Los Endos/Hairless Heart, so the Genesis fans should really get out there & find this disc.” [FishNet Indie Review]

“The overall sound is that of Camel (Lunar Sea) colliding with Eloy or Nektar. Fans of synth music will notice the obvious Tangerine Dream references, but this is really much more rock-oriented than that great group has ever been... These [Fonya] discs remind me more of the classic German space bands like Eloy, Nektar, or Grobschnitt than they do of the more synth-only bands like T. Dream. There is even perhaps a tip of the hat to the great French progressive band Pulsar. Electronic rock of the first order!” [ZNR]

“The dense, multi-layered tracks flow beautifully, with just enough melody to lend each a solid identity. Fournier is a skilled player who deserves credit for focusing his energy on creating real compositions, as opposed to the pointless noodling and virtuosic chest-beating that dooms so many solo projects.” [Progression]

“Best described as synthetic space-rock, perhaps like Ozrics meets Eloy in digital heaven... The soaring Eloy style guitar solos are excellent... Fournier has produced a respectable album that builds upon the strengths of the previous two. I’m sure that many will enjoy this.” [Exposé]

“In Flux showcases a wider range of textures and layers than before, as the compositions build and develop, with much more guitar work and a more bass-heavy undercurrent. Still the synths dominate, but there’s better use of the bass and guitars with the emphasis on the more reflective moments, balancing some of the rampant passages well - a bit more Camel than Genesis but definitely the best so far.” [CD Services]

“While listening, I thought about some references (maybe Happy the Man? maybe Eddie Jobson?), but finally I must say that the main feature of this very complex music is its originality.” [Off Magazine (translated from Polish)]

“A brilliant 79-minute instrumental set, In Flux is a must hear for fans of cutting edge stylists like Jan Hammer, Jarre, and Patrick O’Hearn... His cover of Los Endos/Hairless Heart by Genesis further hints that Fonya will carry on the tradition of 1970s progressive music well into the next century!” [Time and a Word]