TADJ MAHALL GATES

French prog band Aside Beside was one of the Genesis wannabes from late '90s manageing to come with a single album in 2002 named Tadj Mahall Gates, issued at Musea records. Clearly influenced by bands as Genesis (Peter Gabriel era), Strawbs or Ange, Asides Besides remaining to pay tribute to the '70 prog masters without having very much intresing passages. Besides very gabrielesque voice of Lionel Giardina, the ekeyboards and guitars lines are very good on first two pieces Tadj Mahal Gates and Nightmare - Vincent Chevalier manage to create some quite solid and inspired Banks like organ parts, very good. The musicianship is ok, some Steve Hackett like guitars nad good druming, but originality lacks. Now, the main problem is that the first part of the album is more then ok, with quite good and intresting arrangements, the second half is almost mediocre with less impressive parts, mellow passages and safe playing. Some listners might have a deja vu when listning to Tadj Mahall gates, but from time to time I think may worth some spins. 3 stars, good but nothing more.