CHRISTIAN DÉCAMPS & FILS: TROISIÈME ÉTOILE A GAUCHE

Christian Decamps is one of the leading figures in prog rock history not only in France but I like to think that in Europe in general. He is the founding member of legendary Ange in 1970 and since then the band was a houshold in prog rock realm, specially in the glorious '70. In 1979 he got first album under Cristian Decamps et fils moniker working together with his son Tristan on next releases, a duo that in the end was very valueble keeping in mind that under this name he realse some respected albums over the years. One of the better albums if not the best release under this name is for sure Troisieme etoile a gaughe, issued in 1997 at Musea records. I must confess I was very very pleasent surprised about the music offered, unexpected great, fresh and full of great ideas. Besides Christian on vocals, his son Tristan on keyboards, the guitarist Hassan Hajdi done a fantastic job here, really great chops , solos and guitar noodlings like on Quasimodo, Op'ra Cosmique clocking around 12 min a pure pleasure, like all pieces. Similarities with Ange only here and there, even in vocal department there is not so present that theatrical atmosphere, this time the arrangements are precise, inventive and catchy. I really like this album, in places the music can rival easely with best of Ange. Recommended, for fans who like eclectic prog with symphonic touches. Underated release in my opinion. 4 stars for sure.