Print Page | Close Window

Sloche

Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Music Lounge
Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25827
Printed Date: March 28 2024 at 17:43
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Sloche
Posted By: Sean Trane
Subject: Sloche
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 09:29
 

SLOCHE biography

They got their names from the dirty snow amassed in the streets (sleet or slush) but in the Quebec form. SLOCHE is one of those incredible bands from Quebec progressive explosion of the mid-70's that sadly only managed two albums. They sound like a cross of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, a bit of GENTLE GIANT but mostly like their compatriot the incredible MANEIGE or the emotional OPUS-5. Both their albums are absolutely successful, the former being slightly more symphonic than the second being more fusion. The lyrics are sung in French but they are not to present and do not have too strong Quebec intonations (accent).

If you like the above-mentioned groups and are not afraid of a little adventure this is highly recommended. There are a few copies left at a well-known dealer on the web. Both albums have been released as CDs.

: : : Hugues Chantraine, BELGIUM : : :
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=5199">
 
SLOCHE - J'un Oeuil
 
Review by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=325 - Sean Trane (Hugues Chantraine)
[Special Collaborator Prog-Folk Specialist]
Posted 3:19:09 AM EST, 7/14/2004

5 stars This stunning group from mid-Northern Quebec (the Chicoutimi region if I am not mistaken and therefore more likely to hang around Quebec than Montreal) is yet another one of relatively unknown groups that help Quebec’s progressive rock revolution in the 70’s. Mainly an instrumental jazz-rock group, but when actually using their vocal powers (both in scatting and in actual singing) , they actually reached peaks of beauty that makes you regret this quintet did not sing more. To describe Sloche’s sound accurately, you would have to imagine a cross of Maneige’s middle period with Opus-5’s Contre-Courant album, but if you are not familiar with Quebec’s scene, this will be tougher to describe, but this fusion of jazz rock, and classical influence is relatively unique and grabs you by your soft side no matter how thick your shell might be. These guys were incredibly tight-playing and were obviously well collaborating with each other as the songwriting is fairly well-shared (a track each except for drummer Chiasson giving space to bassist Hebert a second track) and the sound is still quite up to date some 30 years later.

From the first spacey ringings of the 9-min Pas Fin Du Monde to the last drop of Potage Aux Herbes Douteuses (“Shady” Herbal Soup ;-), every single second is pure heaven with opening track setting an incredible standard with its great scat-vocals (reminding a bit Wishbone Ash during the Argus album) and its middle section almost stopping as if the End Of The World had reached us without a proper warning, but it is a false alert and the tracks picks up in a funkier manner. Closing up the first side is the 11-min Kareme D’Eros and its lengthy piano intro (there are two KB players in the group), where the group shows us that they can be quite impressive in singing (not just scatting) with its text and harmonies being incredibly close to Ripaille’s sole album, some Martin Circus or a much better Ange. If you can imagine a cross-over of jazz-rock with Yes, you might just be able to have an idea of how the track is closing.

The second side starts on the superb (but much shorter) title track, which is also sung, while the much funkier Algebrique (Gentle Giant meeting Mahavishnu Orchestra-sounding and penned by guitarist Bérard) is almost reaching discordance, but this track is almost too technical for its own good. Closing track Potage Aux Herbes Douteuses renews with the scatting harmonies as if to bring you back in full circle to the lead-off track. Another strong pleaser, one wishes this second side of the vinyl to be slightly longer to have developed some ideas a bit further.

While Sloche only recorded two albums, these guys excelled in their craft and were a typical example of what La Belle Province had to offer in the second part of the 70’s. As equally superb (but vastly different at will also) as Maneige, Conventum or Opus-5, Sloche is one of those groups that must be investigate by every proghead, dead ort alive. Astounding and outstanding ;-)
 
 
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=5200">
 
 
 
SLOCHE - Stadaconé
 
 
Review by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=325 - Sean Trane (Hugues Chantraine)
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Prog-Folk Specialist

4 stars 4.5 stars really!!!

With a slightly changed line-up (drummer being replaced and an extre percussionist also), Sloche made an incredible confirmation with their second album, the stunning Amerindian-laced artwork covered Stadaconé. Still headed by the double keyboard attack and having plenty of back-up by their guitarist and the rest of the band, Stadaconé is relatively close to their debut although more towards Mahavishnu and GG, than the debut. One of the odd thing about this album is that it is dedicated to Pierre Boucard who helped write the two epics and that the album was recorded intwo distinct sessions produced by Ouellet for one and Desbien (who had done such a great job on their debut)

Opening 10-min+ title track is already warning us that this album will be slightly more disjointed, but nothing to be alarmed: the spirit of J’un Oeuil is still there. The music is definitely funkier, sometimes even reaching the level of Hancock’s sextant or Headhunter (well, maybe not Headhunter ;-). Second is the only sung track (another slight change from the debut) of the album Cosmophile which brings us right back into their debut album, while one of the KB players plays a rare sax solo, too bad the song ends in a fade-out. Sauver Barbara is an organ-drenched syncopated funky jazz-rock that can help raise your mother-in-law from the dead (provided she is not too deeply buried of course, her name is Barbara and you cannot find her stash of dough ;-) while the second side opens on the Ad Hoc highlight and takes you towards a heavenly trip. Yet another short track (outside the two monster epics book-ending the album all other tracks are below the 5 min 30 mark) La Baloune is full of great ambiances with Murray again on woodwinds. Isacaaron is the splendid closing GG-esque track that is giving its all-out effort for the album’s personality compared to its debut.

Most classical proghead fans will prefer their debut album, while the fusionhead will enjoy this album, but no matter what both albums are immensely successful and it is a complete shame Sloche will never be able to record a third album. Personally I prefer the debut to this album, mostly on the strength of much more present vocals, which despite their mostly instrumental nature was one of their strength.
 
 
 
 


 


-------------
let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter
keep our sand-castle virtues
content to be a doer
as well as a thinker,
prefer lifting our pen
rather than un-sheath our sword



Replies:
Posted By: oliverstoned
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 09:35

Really good, so?


Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 09:37
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:


Really good, so?
 
 
 
Oustanding and astounding, mon pote!!Wink
 
UNFORTUNATELY , their records have never been issued on CDCry (the Tachika bootlegs are of good quality) , but the vinyls are still fairly cheap.


-------------
let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter
keep our sand-castle virtues
content to be a doer
as well as a thinker,
prefer lifting our pen
rather than un-sheath our sword


Posted By: oliverstoned
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 09:40
...Bien joué!

    
    


Posted By: avestin
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 09:41
Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:

Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:


Really good, so?
 
 
 
Oustanding and astounding, mon pote!!Wink
 
UNFORTUNATELY , their records have never been issued on CDCry (the Tachika bootlegs are of good quality) , but the vinyls are still fairly cheap.


Maybe not released on CD , but I have come across their MP3's LOL
Only have Stadaconé and it is, so far very much to my taste.


-------------
http://hangingsounds.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - Hanging Sounds

http://www.progarchives.com/ProgRockShopping.asp" rel="nofollow - PA Index of prog music vendors




Posted By: DallasBryan
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 09:56
very good, but a little simple in comparison to the best french fusion artists from the 70's. Maneige, Harmonium, Sloche, Pollen and Opus 5 are all worthy listens.


Posted By: Progfans
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 10:00
I think Progresson are checking for reissue the 2 albums of Sloche but that will be in 2007 beacause they must find the original Contract for paid the fees
Tachika made illegals bootlegs and for this reason i will never buy from this compagny.
BTW You will pay the same price for the vynil or a bootleg...


-------------
La cuisine c,est comme l,amour, il faut y croire pour que ca marche


Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: July 07 2006 at 10:04
Originally posted by Progfans Progfans wrote:

I think Progresson are checking for reissue the 2 albums of Sloche but that will be in 2007 beacause they must find the original Contract for paid the fees
Tachika made illegals bootlegs and for this reason i will never buy from this compagny.
BTW You will pay the same price for the vynil or a bootleg...
 
 
Sean McFee did confirm me yesterday that talks were under way. Thereis so much more Quebec prog yet to be released , but things are finally under way
 
ProgQuebec's next releases: (due september)
 
MPM15 - Maneige - Les Porches Live: concert from 1975 featuring all of Les Porches performed live + a 20 minute never released track.

MPM16 - Jacques Tom Rivest - same: first solo album from the singer / bassist / lyricist of Pollen. Featuring most of the band in support.

MPM17 - l'Engoulevent - l'Ile ou Vivent les Loups: a classic of progressive folk cherished by collectors and never available on CD until now.

 
 

 


-------------
let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter
keep our sand-castle virtues
content to be a doer
as well as a thinker,
prefer lifting our pen
rather than un-sheath our sword


Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 16:10
bump

-------------
let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter
keep our sand-castle virtues
content to be a doer
as well as a thinker,
prefer lifting our pen
rather than un-sheath our sword


Posted By: The Rock
Date Posted: July 09 2006 at 21:25
Hey what about ''Vos Voisins''?
Wasn't that supposed to be released this year too?
Talking about reissues,the complete Dionne/Brégent discography is out on a double CD containing both thier albums plus 2 unreleased tracks.
For those who don't know them,let's just say that they were the equivalent of a Pink Floyd or Tangerine Dream.
Very spacious and experimental at the same time.Thumbs Up
A duo of keyboards and a million percussions.
Another long overdue CD reissue.
 


-------------
What's gonna come out of my mouth is gonna come out of my soul."Skip Prokop"


Posted By: pierreolivier
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 00:10
Originally posted by The Rock The Rock wrote:

Hey what about ''Vos Voisins''?
Wasn't that supposed to be released this year too?
 
 
Me too, I hope that "Vos Voisins" only album will be released.I got a homemade CD copy from a vinyl but I want to buy the official and remastered release.Officially, it's the first Quebec progressive album,dating from 1971 and the first album in Quebec to use mellotron(they use the obscure M300 model,the same model as Barclay James Harvest).They went to England in order to brought the mellotron as it wasn't available in Quebec in 1971(the mellotron began to be sold in Quebec in the end of 1972).Just for it's historic importance,this album should be released and it will surely be like the guy from ProgQuebec(sorry! don't remember your name) had already said.
 
I think it's delayed because they didn't find the person who can give them the right to released the album.The main composer of the "Vos Voisins" album is Jacques Perron who was the keyboardist of the band.I heard that he is untracable and some said that he even died.Even his closest friends didn't knows where to find him.That's a really sad story.I hope that ProgQuebec will be able to released it one day.The Dionne-Brégent cd reissue is a good news and the Maneige-Les Porches(live) will surely be a must buy with his 20 minutes unreleased song.Smile


Posted By: The Rock
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 20:49
Vos Voisins were also session musicians.They,ve played with Yvon DesChamps,Louise Forestier and Claude Lafrance amongst others.
Their drummer Pierre Ringuet even played with Offenbach(on Traversion),the greatest rock band of all time in QuebecClap.Their guitarist Serge Valières also played with Ville-Émard Blues Band,still with them btw.


-------------
What's gonna come out of my mouth is gonna come out of my soul."Skip Prokop"


Posted By: pierreolivier
Date Posted: July 10 2006 at 22:05
Originally posted by The Rock The Rock wrote:

Vos Voisins were also session musicians.They,ve played with Yvon DesChamps,Louise Forestier and Claude Lafrance amongst others.
Their drummer Pierre Ringuet even played with Offenbach(on Traversion),the greatest rock band of all time in QuebecClap.Their guitarist Serge Valières also played with Ville-Émard Blues Band,still with them btw.
 
Yes, they were session musicians for Yvon Deschamps.I have the DVD box set called "Les années 60-70" who get an audio section of all Yvon Deschamps vinyls from the end 60's early 70's.On the album called "Yvon Deschamps" from 1970,the band that sides him is "Vos Voisins".The music on that album that were presented at the beginning and at the end of Mr.Deschamps monologue were very prog influenced and I noticed an early King Crimson influence in one of them.They used the mellotron on that show(the same as the album and was owned by Mr.Deschamps)and it sound more present than the "Vos Voisins" album.If you love "Vos Voisins" as well as Yvon Deschamps comic show,it's something to own.
 
I know that Pierre Ringuet played with Offenbach but didn't know on wich albums,thank for the information.I've know that they had a connection with Louise Forestier and Claude Lafrance from the band "Les Karricks"(and Forestier boyfriend at the time)since she sing backing vocals on the song "Sous la lune" on the album.Apparently, the second album from "Les Karricks" is very prog influenced.Another one who will greatly appreciatted if it get a CD released one day.All musicians in "Vos Voisins" were talented musicians and the majority of them find jobs in the music business after the band broke.It's just a shame that this band is not more well known in Quebec.They have a sound of their own and must be considerated as prog pionneers here in Quebec with Dyonissos and Franck Dervieux(I hope that ProgQuebec will released this album too).


Posted By: The Rock
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 06:18
Both Les Karricks albums have been reissued on CD awhile back by ''les disques mérites'',Dennis Pantis's label,as a two on one.

-------------
What's gonna come out of my mouth is gonna come out of my soul."Skip Prokop"


Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 06:29
I find Dyonisos very deceiving as far as progressive music is concerned.

-------------
let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter
keep our sand-castle virtues
content to be a doer
as well as a thinker,
prefer lifting our pen
rather than un-sheath our sword


Posted By: The Rock
Date Posted: July 11 2006 at 15:19
Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:

I find Dyonisos very deceiving as far as progressive music is concerned.
Not me.
I like them a lot and hope to see their albums get digital transfer.SOON.


-------------
What's gonna come out of my mouth is gonna come out of my soul."Skip Prokop"


Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: July 12 2006 at 07:42
Originally posted by The Rock The Rock wrote:

Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:

I find Dyonisos very deceiving as far as progressive music is concerned.
Not me.
I like them a lot and hope to see their albums get digital transfer.SOON.
 
 
Actually I have two of their albums on CD plus that Pionniers 69-94 (which is uninteresting rerecording of some of their 70's stuff)
 
I am probably not keeping those albums.


-------------
let's just stay above the moral melee
prefer the sink to the gutter
keep our sand-castle virtues
content to be a doer
as well as a thinker,
prefer lifting our pen
rather than un-sheath our sword



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2014 Web Wiz Ltd. - http://www.webwiz.co.uk