ATOLL

The addition of a violin player led Ange to a more complex and a bit jazzier album compared to the debut.Of course the opening ''Le photographe exorciste'' is on par with the previous release, dramatic and spacey Symphonic Rock along the lines of PULSAR with slight KING CRIMSON vibes and over the top vocals.Trough ''Cazotte No.1'' is delivered the more Fusion style of the group, all instrumental violin-driven Prog/Fusion with evident funky rhythmic parts, close to the likes of DIXIE DREGS.''Le voleur d'extase'', which closes the first side of the original LP, is a mix of the two Atoll styles.Very lyrical and atmospheric Progressive Rock supported by extended Fusion instrumental parts with violin on the forefront.Here PINK FLOYD and CLEARLIGHT meet DIXIE DREGS in a quite demanding piece of music.

The second side contains propably the most ambitious track ever written by Atoll, the eponymous 22-min. epic composition, divided into four part.It opens with the smooth and proggy Electric Fusion of ''Imaginez le temps'', featuring plenty of intricate moments, followed by the monumental ''L'araignee-mal'', where a lovely groove is built on Michel Taillet' synths and the great rhythm section, accompanied by Balzer's excellent dramatic, vocal performance.The Fusion side of Atoll returns with ''Les robots debiles'', rich and furious instrumental Prog with few vocals but sharp musicianship based on synths, clavinet and guitars.The closing ''Le cimetiere de plastique'' finds the group in a mood for more spacey, atmospheric textures, followed by a frenetic instrumental theme with angular guitar solos, violins and electric piano.

This is definitely the most demanding work of Atoll.Not entirely consistent, but certainly a very complex album of 70's French Prog with a very eclectic approach.Some of its parts are also trully intricate.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

There is also a good deal of Zeuhl influence inspiring this record, of particular note is the high pitched falsetto vocals on the album's last track, the fourteen minute "Tunnels," featuring Stella Vander from the French Zeuhl band Magma.

The drummer on this record Alain Gozzo is completely off the charts good and shines on every single track with panache and diversity, as a drummer there are some interesting things happening that are worthy of investigation. The bassist is very much matched with the drummer, the keyboards and guitar are very reminiscent of Yes, and the vocals sung in French are unique and at times theatrical.

The female vocals in this album are a highlight to me and I applaud any band that can compose male female vocal interplay as good as this. Come to mind, is it not interesting that Yes never included female vocals in their music?

I have now become side tracked so let me get back on track again.

Out is the pure Genesis rip offs and in is a blend of French symph prog (Ange) and Mahavishnu Orchestra'esque like prog rock. There is also some strong King Crimson and Magma elements on this album. The music is complex as in a blend of symph, eclectic and jazz. But there is also some pastoral bits here. The use of violin is a dominant force here. So is the keyboards and there is also some guitars here. The vocals are very good btw.

I would label this album as a symphonic eclectic fusion album. Or as a French prog rock album. The French scene is not like any other scenes and they do their own things. Something I really appreciate. What we ends up with in L'Araignée-Mal is a great album with great songs and musicianship and a lot of intricate details.

L'Araignée-Mal is one of those many great French prog rock albums well worth checking out.

4 stars

This is the debut album from the French symph proggers Atoll. A band with a very good reputation. So I purchased some of their albums.

This debut album is style wise all over the shop. From country to eclectic to folk and a bit of symph prog too. They even touch base with disco and zeuhl too on this album. A very eclectic mix, it has to be said.

The quality is not that great though........ with the exception of the title track and the closening track Je suis d'ailleurs. Both are very good symph prog tracks with a lot of what later became known as typical French symph prog. The rest of the songs are blowing hot and cold. Some of the melody lines here, the disco stuff, is cringeworthy. But the French people has always done it their way and Atoll is no exception from that rule. Hence, this is a bit of a bizarre album. But it is saved by those two above mentioned albums. It is a good album, but not perhaps an album that will get much airplay in my household.

3 stars

So the album begins with the track Le Photographe Exorciste. This is probably my least favorite track on the album, because it is extremely repetitive for about the first 5 minutes. During this time it is mostly just talking with the keyboards in the background. The rest of the track is surprisingly well done after such a boring intro. It probably could have been a 4 star song if it weren't for the first 5 minutes. ***

Cazotte No.1is more of the jazz fusion track of the album. This song equally blends in every instrument of the group in an almost funky, yet complex way. Their are no vocals but that's okay because this song doesn't need them. ****

Le Voleur d'Extase seems to show every side of Atoll or at least in L'Araignée-Mal. The well sung vocals, the jazz rock, and mostly Atoll's symphonic side. Richard Aubert brings out his skill on the violin. He's no Jean Luc Ponty but definitely a strong violinist. ****

Drum roll please, its time for Atoll's greatest song! The progressive masterpiece L'Araignee-Mal. I mean why do you think this is the name of the album? So it begins with the long creepy intro. It is a little more boring than the rest of the song but still a spectacular intro. Once again you see Aubert's skill on the violin but now also Gozzo's talent with the drums. As the song goes on you see Atoll's emotionally beauty. You can feel the mourning and sadness. But also there are times of happiness and hope. Every instrument works together to form Atolls ultimate magnificence. Without a doubt 5 stars. *****

This is indeed a great epic album. And actually one of my favorite French progressive rock albums. There are the strong moments and the weak moments but overall an amazing work of art. I probably would have given this album 5 stars if it were not for Le Photographe Exorciste. That does not mean it is a bad song, it just doesn't compare to well to the rest of the album.

'L'Hymne Medieval' is familiar Symph Français but 11+ minute 'Le Baladin du Temps' is much more involved with great changes and some nice surprises. Luc Serra's guitar lines over his and Michel Taillet's keys ring an irresistible Allman-like bell of harmony, backed-up by the heavy bass of Jean-Luc Thillot and le batterie de Alain Gozzo. Same for the hard funk of the title track, a kitsch beauty of its time peppered by some hot brass. Standout 'Au-dela des Ecrans de Cristal' is European prog when it was European pop-- and it's excellent, filled with plenty of development and tight playing. And though uninteresting, commercial 'Le Secret du Mage' foreshadows the Gallophilic chants of The Police. Soft and folkie 'Le Berger' is a rest before the huge 'Je Suis D'Ailleurs', a satisfying journey through the space/prog solar system of 1974.

Recommended to fans of the second tier. Very nice reissue on Musea with full-color gatefold, good booklet and beautifully reproduced cover art. Four live bonus cuts from '73 are poorly recorded and probably unnecessary.

Men who acquire the establishment of the music character begin the production of the tune for "Rock Puzzle" in 1979. However, the revolution of the band is done through necessity by this album as for the route of legitimate symphonic that they were doing till then.

The music character of the band changes greatly by the intention of EURODISC by which they belonged at that time. Various opinions and the ideas of considering the part and the market where the shape established by "Tertio" was developed further acted on the band as a result of introducing the part of a music character at that time and the fashion. The market might have had the flow that the Dance music and Punk/New Wave carried everything before one as an age in the latter half of the 70's. Label demanded music to consider becoming popular from the music character that Atoll established it. Their Agent started appointing their tunes as music for the television at the stage of the production of the demonstration. In addition, the intention's of the company that had demanded the arrangement of Brass etc. symphonic giving a certain change to the music character till then as a result resulted.

It is likely to be able to enumerate it as a point that Atoll introduced the demanded element from label to some degree as the point that should make a special mention when talking about the content of this album. The part that splendidly unites the element demanded from the music character till then and reflected it in the tune can feel relations as their music characters. The point that has not compromised for the production of the tune at all though the route is changed will be felt that the intention and the zeal of this album are enough by me.

It is ..content that expands the extension of the Music character to establish and the refined sound further in ..this album.. "Tertio".. finished. The element of complete music like generally popular "L'Araignee-Mal" might be weak in this album. However, everywhere, the zeal of the member who spent on the album can also discover the part that grows up greatly in respect of the composition.

The band faced the secession of Andre Balzer and Jean-Luc Thillot as a result in 1980. And, the band aims at contact with John Wetton from parting with EURODISC for a further revolution. The song by John Wetton is collected to this album. However, the details were indeed short lives. The connection with John Wetton that had been done from the collapse of "UK" to "Asia" from now on will have been indeed a mixed picture for Atoll. When the content of "Rock Puzzle" is considered, I will be able to feel done performance and idea indeed good merge in the album pass of the music character till then and based on development. A lot of elements to consider the age and the market are certainly blocked in this album. However, the idea and the zeal that they spent for the production of the tune might be reflected enough in the tune. The borderline of Atoll is blocked in this album.

"L'age d'Or" might be a tune that follows the part that can be listened by "Tertio" of the refinement. Good Groove for the arrangement of Brass and the chorus twines. The development of a dash feeling and a complex rhythm is introduced and the tune progresses. The part of symphonic is considerably weak. However, it is possible to catch as one result of Atoll's taking the age and the idea well if it thinks from an opposite angle. Composition of tune and sound of keyboard. And, the atmosphere of the guitar might also leave the music character of Atoll enough. The composition intermittently developed is splendid. A grand theme and atmosphere express legitimate development enough.

"L'Ultime Rock" might be very straight Rock. The arrangement and the keyboard of Brass have acted unexpectedly well. Progressing the tune to which the forecast doesn't adhere is their tastes. The rhythm and the chorus who put fast and slow also contribute to the tune.

"Kaelka" starts from natural SE attended with the arpeggio of a beautiful guitar. The progress of complete Chord twines round a pastoral melody. A new element on which they worked is here. The originality of Atoll is completely blocked in making Chord.

"Smarto Kitschy" is a tune with a friendly melody and the dash feeling. Good atmosphere of Atoll has occurred from the melody of the song. It is a tune to introduce the melody and the chorus of obtaining very much. However, the composition introducing the rhythm of seven and toward the top will be able to feel the new wind that they make.

"Eau" starts attended with a grand melody. Fast and slow is put while uniting expression of feelings with intense feelings. The part of a beautiful ballade rushes into the part where feelings are intensely opened. The obbligati with a good piano contribution and keyboard raises the perfection of the tune. The arpeggio of an acoustic guitar has acted on the tune, too.

As for "Garces De Femmes", a glossy melody of the keyboard and the sound of the guitar are impressive. The music character to which this tune was done by "Tertio" might be followed. The sound of the chorus and the keyboard gets on the progress of good Chord. Development with an intermittent effect in the melody with expression of feelings twines. The originality of Chord might be a success in the arrangement concerning the composition of Atoll.

The element of symphonic that Atoll originally has in the melody with expression of feelings twines round "La Maison De Men-Taa" well. The element of Jazz Rock to listen with the part and 2nd Album of complete symphonic with diversity might be few in this album. However, the listener will be able to discover the effort to have tried to raise the perfection for music as for them. The work of the keyboard that produces the sound and the anacatesthesia with the extension has good atmosphere.

As for "Puzzle", I will be able to feel a new wind at the same time as completely showing the existence of their music characters. It is a tune with the composition developed with the melody with expression of feelings one after another. It might be the last legitimate light that they did in the 70's. Complete work of guitar and sound of keyboard that considers age. The idea of the music character that they have done before might be almost blocked in this tune. Chorus's atmosphere. And, Brass that doesn't obstruct the tune is arranged. Enchantment chorus advanced attended with dash feeling. It might be a tune where the music character of Atoll was splendidly expressed.

Studio Z Version of "L'Ultime Rock" is done at the stage of the demonstration. There might be atmosphere of feeling processed by the effect overall and a rough sound. However, the outline of the tune is already made at this time.

Studio Z Version of "Puzzle" is not so refined as a composition of the sound. However, the entire composition and the idea might already have been completed. The stage concerning work and the spent labor will be able to be compared compared with an original perfection. The work of the band that works with zeal to some degree though it is a stage of the demonstration gives a good impression.

"Atari,That's A Game" is a sound source that can do lyrics of "Smarto Kitschy" in place of English. It might be a sound source produced by the intention of Agent of the band. The composition of the original had been almost completed at this stage.

"Here Comes The Feeling" might be interesting if it listens compared with the sound source of "Asia". Complete individuality of John Wetton twines round the performance from which the refined sound of Atoll comes to the front.

The feature in "No Reply" is to develop to twining of the progress of peculiar Chord to the element of the tune that is reminiscent of "Asia". The overall glossy melody and exhilaration one feels are included. The introduction of a part of the transposition and a complex rhythm is suitable for the atmosphere of the tune. It is likely to have been made considering the route of John Wetton.

A little loose impression might be given though "Eye To Eye" is straight Rock as the composition of the tune. The part of a unique element and symphonic might be weak. However, the contact of Atoll and John Wetton will have been a temporary chemical reaction for the band.

This album might have been produced for Atoll as a content with unexpected directionality and the developing flow. However, the zeal that the band takes considering the age enough rules the atmosphere of the album.

After announcing this album, they dare the tour. This tour that had been done in October, 1977 was a tour to fight without getting other musicians' help only by them. They have grown up as existence that is not only an own country but also admitted worldwide in this album. The evaluation by the critic and label had decided the band. The existence of Didier Lockwood that participated in guest's standpoint in their tours had succeeded as a part of the important factor, too.

When the music character of "L'Araignee-Mal" that they announced in 1975 is compared with the music that can be listened by this "Tertio", I will be able to feel the revolution and the evolution of the music character. Part of power that can be listened with 2nd Album of involving. Or, it is partial where flavors of a few Jazz were introduced while having it centering on legitimate. And, the height of the perfection of the composition by the tune round which the flow of symphonic twines well. Those flows might contain the music character refined further by this "Tertio" and the sense of relief.

A composition of the tune refined as respect that this album has overall as a point that should make a special mention and a legitimate extension will be able to be enumerated. Its having been done by five person organizations except Violin player's Richard Aubert might greatly act on the album. However, the revolution of their music characters faces the conversion of the band further by the intention of the recording label in the content of "Rock Puzzle". "Tertio" might be able to be caught for them as one attainment point if it considers it from 1st Album as their music characters.

In "Paris C'est Fini", the melody of symphonic that is a little reminiscent of the atmosphere of "Yes" is a feature. The flow of transposition and minor Chord had as a composition has originality. The work of the guitar on which Christian Beya depends greatly contributes to the band. It is ..song from which the song of Andre Balzer is refined further.. finished. The composition in which fast and slow is put can feel their developing parts.

"Les Dieux Meme" starts by a beautiful chorus. Atmosphere of the ballade that advances attended with good symphonic and is beautiful and the composition of Chord might have originality. The part and the flow of the song in close relation to the piano might be proofs to which the band surely acquired the width of the sound. The tune makes Chord on which you may accompany the dash feeling act on an intermittent effect. The tune raises the perfection and reaches the peak. The composition in which a good melody is intermittently done has succeeded as a tune. The composition that has both a beautiful part and an intense part and does might have a good synergy effect.

As for "Gae Lowe", the theme of a good dash feeling and a glossy keyboard is impressive. Rhythm and chorus who put change. And, the guitar and the chorus who has a transparent feeling. The tune accompanies development to which fast and slow is introduced and the forecast doesn't adhere. The part of the melody of development of the HalfTime shuffle that appears on the way and a grand keyboard might be a part of a complete extension of the tune.

A beautiful melody and the song of "Le Cerf Volant" are impressive. The line of the guitar and Bass also contributes to the tune. And, rhythmically by putting the part and the fast and slow of symphonic that overflows with the whole volume. The composition and Chord that produces a legitimate element enough might be the music for this band. The composition with a rhythm of 6/8 and an intermittent part has acted on the tune well, too.

"Tunnel Part 1" is given a grand impression and starts. Development that is reminiscent of the demiquaver and space in close relation to symphonic means their establishment. The guitar and the keyboard to decide the impression of the album did good work. Complex development and Chord that is reminiscent of "Yes" have originality. The rhythm that looks like a few Funk has acted, too.

"Tunnel Part 2" receives the flow from "Part 1" and continues a grand impression. Making and the dash feeling of the sound of the keyboard create one space. The performance done attended with the tension and the anacatesthesia might be the top that Atoll exactly received. The melody and the soundscape done by making good use of the HalfTime shuffle exactly express legitimate of Prog Rock. Ensemble drawn out while following the directionality of 2nd Album is splendid.

Atoll completely established the existence by the success of this album that received the support of Press and the critic. There might have been a situation in which their legitimate music characters were enhanced according to the content of this album.