CARRYCROCH'

Short-lived French prog band,found in 1978 in the beautiful city of Colmar near the French- German borders.They consisted of Phillipe Wendling on keys,Bernard Labroche on guitars,Gigi Untersinger on bass and Gianni Drago on drums,reportedly they were all highly educated musicians.Actually the name of the band comes from the initial letters of the members' surnames.Theur debut ''Carrycroch'' came out in 1979 on Omega Studio.

Wlud played all instrumental jazzy progressive rock in their first effort with often a symphonic flavor.Their style recalls CAMEL and GENTLE GIANT in moments due to the melodic guitar playing of Labroche and the light interplays with Wendling's organ and electric piano.There are also plenty of jazzy guitar chops to be found along with long organ passages and electric piano virtuosic solos (RETURN TO FOREVER-styled),the rhythm section is decent but far from anything trully adventuruous,while the sound is very old-fashioned,resembling more to a band from early-70's.

Overall ''Carrycroch'' didn't break any new grounds,but it was definitely quite an achievement for a band back in 1979 to play such a non-commercial style of music and moreover in such a professional and inspiring way.Warmly recommended.

To an American the name WLUD sounds like the name of some radio or television station from east of the Mississippi River (stations start with K west of the Mississippi). But this is a French band and were named after the surnames of each member. That is keyboardist Phillippe Wendling, guitarist Bernard LeBroche, bassist Gigi Untersinger, and drummer Gianni Drago. Released around December 1978 (according to the Musea CD reissue) on the black Oméga Studios label (the color label is a second pressing), this album demonstrates there's still great prog to be had on those rough days. I really can't compare these guys with anyone but they are all instrumental, so if you are put off by French vocals like Ange, Atoll and Mona Lisa you'll have zero trouble here. Lots of great keyboards, sometimes spacy, with guitar, bass and drums. This is one I can't pick out a highlight because all the album is of equal quality.. Occasional fusion influence will have itself shown especially the electric piano. I really can't find much to fault here. Very much worth your time!