Shylock

French symphonic prog of the highest order! The debut album from Nice's legendary Shylock - a trio that bypassed the Genesis/Camel worship of their countrymen to channel the darkest corners of King Crimson, the complexity of Gentle Giant, and the moody keyboard darkness of Van der Graaf Generator. Originally released on CBS in 1977, Gialorgues has achieved cult status among collectors worldwide and provided the primary influence for the 90s prog revival - bands like Änglagård owe this record everything.

Just three musicians - André Fisichella (drums, percussion), Frédéric l'Épée (guitars, bass) and Didier Lustig (keyboards) - creating music that sounds like an orchestra of the damned. Soaring Robert Fripp-style guitar leads. Bill Bruford-esque drumming with ever-changing tempos. Rich chord voicings and quasi-classical musings. All INSTRUMENTAL - no vocals to distract from the sheer virtuosity on display.

The album proper consists of three pieces: "Le Quatrième" (13:05), the short march-like interlude "Le Sixième" (3:50), and the sprawling "Le Cinquième" (18:54). The second long piece pushes into truly experimental territory - improvised percussion and guitar effects over hypnotic keyboard ostinatos. Dark, forboding, anxious - the music takes you places. Recorded at Studio 16 in La Fontonne, mixed by the band at Studio ABM in Lyon.

Unlike Ange, Atoll and other French bands looking across the Channel for inspiration, Shylock forged their own identity - a unique mix of classically infused symphonic prog with the dissonant guitar antics of early Crimson. The low-budget indie production (transistor organ and Elka Rhapsody, including LOTS of that tinny piano patch) only adds to the charm. CBS picked it up for wider release in 1978, preparing the way for the professionally-produced follow-up Île de Fièvre.

Gialorgues has found its way onto countless "best of" lists for good reason. Perhaps it falls just short of "long lost masterpiece" status, but honestly it's not far away. The darkness is the key here - their influence can be felt in Xaal, Minimum Vital, Tiemko, and the whole Nordic prog scene of the 90s. L'Épée went on to play with Philharmonie. An absolute must for any rare prog collector!

Essential for admirers of King Crimson, Van der Graaf Generator, Gentle Giant, Henry Cow, and the French school of dark symphonic prog (Arachnoid, Pulsar). Japanese mini-LP sleeve edition on high-fidelity SHM-CD, with liner notes and Japanese translations.