PHAESIS

Phaesis were not very active live group in particular, a good enough reason why they remained rather unnoticed throughout their career.The group has encountered as many as 12 live performances during the year 1990, while in 1991 these were even more limited, as the band prepared to launch the second album ''Labyrinthe''.This was recorded again at the band's own studio, seeing the light on Musea Records and coinciding with the re-edition of ''Reminiscence'' on CD by the French label.

For ''Labyrinthe'' Phaesis decided to reduce the strong PINK FLOYD influences of their debut and offer a work closer to the standards of Neo Prog with a fair dose of French Prog tradition thrown in for good measure.The calm, emotional, somewhat GILMOUR-ish electric solos are not absent, but the bulk of this effort has much more in common now with acts such as ADN, QUADRA, a bit of VERSAILLES and CAFEINE, while the all-around atmosphere has similar aspects to the music of MARILLION.Dramatic but also deeply melodious music, based on distorted electric guitars and dreamy keyboard themes, which occasionally enter into a big, symphonic mood, building some grandiose and pompous textures.For unknown reasons Phaesis decided to place the longer compositions at the end of the album, but it's never too late for some inventive, demanding and atmospheric long Prog tracks.Emotional singing lines, shifting gears, fairytale keyboard lines and bombastic, Neo Prog-ish tunes are the leading elements here, completing some good inspiration and sufficient composing.The melodies are instant, the ANGE influences become more apparent, the atmosphere ranges from dark and sinister to optimistic and pleasant and Patrick Parmentier, Dominique Vassart shine through, delivering impressive work on keyboards and guitars respectively, resulting to well-executed and nicely arranged pieces.

While not being a milestone of the ressurected French Prog scene, ''Labyrinthe'' is unique in its own way, an album with dramatic atmospheres and efficient melodies, written to satisfy all fans of Neo/Symphonic Prog of the time, who starved for some adventurous and nostalgic Rock music.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

French undrground prog band from the 80's.Phaesis was found in 1982 in the small village of Stenay, Lorraine by keyboardist Patrick Parmentier,singer Gérard Petit and guitarist Dominique Vassart.From 1983 and on the band starts slowly to build their fame with occasional concerts.A couple of line-up changes (Petit and bassist Daniel Collet were gone,bassist/vocalist Eric Herbillion replaced them)will not prevent them on their way to recording their debut ''Reminiscence'' in 1989.This was released both as a private press LP and on CD format by Musea Records.

The spacey ''Intrusion + Fly Away'' is a nice introduction to Phaesis' sound.Spacey symphonic synths under slow drumming and guitar solos on ''Intrusion'' will lead to the vocal-based neo prog cut of ''Fly away'' with the grandiose MARILLION-esque finale.The next three-part 10 min. short epic will open with the guitar-driven ''Paradoxe'',which will lead to the ethereal and melodic ''Reminiscence'' and close with the intense PINK FLOYD-ian ''Human''.''Radiance'' follows the same path,full of spacey synth passages and slow guitars before the fiery soloing towards the end.''You'' is the weakest track by far,it is in a Psychedelic/Space Rock style with down-tempo work on guitars,almost a PINK FLOYD-rip off,but the vocals are really dreadful,becoming unbearable with every listen.Fortunately the closing ''Aurore + Final Flight'' will get things back in shape.Fine start on a rhythmic neo prog journey with ''Aurore'' (maybe a bit too long though for the same groove) and even nicer end with the big symphonic sound of ''Final flight'',containing a huge solo by Dominique Vassart and fantastic spacey/symphonic keys by Patrick Parmentier,very close to ANYONE'S DAUGHTER.

''Reminiscence'' is, for the most of its part,a great prog album created in the darkest ages.Both Psychedelic and Neo Progressive Rock fans ,especially those deep into MARILLION and PINK FLOYD,will love this release,which comes strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

An album full of charm, but with flaws. "Intrusion" + "Fly Away" are two enjoyable tracks, well tied. "Paradox" + "Reminescence" + "Human" still chained titles, the same defects spreads ... sfx are always, well done. "Radiance" is about the guitar solo Dominique Vassart, excellent! bass and drums are synchronized. "You" The song is a fair bit level diction. The battery is hard to follow the song. The sound mixing, production is somewhat limited and borders on the amateurish. Many of contrast and paradox, as this is directly influenced by Pink Floyd. "Aurora" + "Final Flight" shows that Herbillon Eric is an excellent bassist, bravo. The battery is hard again to follow the rhythm, damage. The guitar is remarkable special effects Keyboards and sound effects are a nice effect. This group of the French region of Meuse attacked a lump in structuring securities with the technology of the studio, I think he nly th time to work because it has its own studio. The music then this provides a unique means of natural sounds (crying baby, birds, wind, human conversation and urban. This kind of album that could have been a masterpiece if there were no defects.