Formation:
Andre Fisichella, drums and percussion
Frederic l'Epee, guitars
Didier Lustig, Elka Rhapsody 610, Hammond B3, mini-moog, mellotron, Yahama
electric grand piano, Hohner clavinet D6
Serge Summa, bass
Themes:
1. Ile de fievre - 12:59
2. Le sang des capucines - 5:37
3. Choral - 1:52
4. Himogene - 5:15
5. Lierre d'aujourd'hui - 2:19
6. Laocksetal - 10:27
Shylock is a French classic band with so single two disks, of those which this
it is the second and without a doubt better.
The style that you/they practice is quite original, progressive rock influenced by the
English classic, overalls King Crimson, and I believe that Shylock should be
a basic influence for French bands
later as Edhels, Xaal or Vital Minimum.
Regarding other French bands of the time, as Pulsar or Arachnoid, Shylock
practices a clearly recognizable style although they have things in common, as those dark
atmospheres and typical catastrophes of the French bands.
In almost all you criticize them made to this album it is spoken of the first theme as
of a real classic, while the rest of the album locates it at a clearly inferior level, but
I don't agree, I believe that the whole album this at the same great level.
The first theme "Ile de Fievre", let us say that it is the but
progressive-symphonic classic, with influences of Genesis, Camel and Gentle
Giant, although also surprising for moments like some rhythms funk to the Goblin and a
technological-electronic touch in some keyboards. It is really a big topic that is also
said that it can have been one of the influences of Anglagard, and it is possible
that some small fragment remembers them, but neither this very clear one. It also
highlights, so much or more than the first one, the one finishes "Laocksetal",
an impressive topic very crimsonian, with mellotrons, guitars
distorted typical of Fripp and final with the help of mellotron atmospheres and
touches space rock. Tremendous.
The rest, also of great level they say what say. Influences of King Crimson
stage "Larks" / "Bible Black" / "Red" in "Le
Sang des Capucines". "Choral" is a very short theme with the
help of choirs. "Himogene" is another great piece with influences of King
Crimson, alone of vibes to the Gentle Giant and rhythms am used Goblin.
And "Lierre d'aujourd'hui" is another topic more experimental crimsonian.
Without a doubt an important album to understand the French evolution of the
progressive one.
Punctuation: 9.5/10
Ferran Lizana