BEHIND

Obscure 80's French Neo Prog combo from Seclin.Bandleader appears to be guitarist and singer Dominique Van Robays with a supporting core of Jean-Francois Badie on bass, Jean-Michel Marais oj drums/backing vocals and Dominique Parmentier on keyboards.In 1986 they released the single ''Speed is the reason'' and two years later comes the EP ''Trace De Vie'' for the eponymous label of the Slim Studio.At this point an extra guitarist joined the band, Phillipe Flouw, and in 1990 Green Space released their only full-length production ''Behind'' on the short-lived label of Lionel Baillemont.

This appears to be closer to a compilation album than a brand new release, it contains all the tracks from the previously released single and EP of the band plus a couple of new tracks.Soundwise it's a typical offering from the 80's school of Prog Rock with a certain French flavor, similar to QUADRA, with less emphasis on bombastic parts and complex twists and closer to the more atmospheric style of the genre.The album is filled with dreamy keyboards and melodic guitar lines, complemented by a decent and sensitive voice and occasionally showered by more pompous keyboard flashes similar to MARILLION.There are certain ANGE inspirations in the French-sung cuts, although the album offers a few tracks with English lyrics, getting closer to 80's British Prog Rock.The atmosphere as a result is rather soft and deeply lyrical with mellow synth textures and light symphonic touches, with Van Robays providing some nice guitar solos in the process.The main problem is definitely the lack of dynamics in specific tracks and the commercial leanings in a couple more, but the arrangements are mostly good, memorable and well-crafted with a combination of Soft Rock and Prog Rock stylings.

I do not know if this compilation-like album was some sort of farewell to Green Space, sure thing is the band never released anything afterwards and left no traces of further activity.

Smooth French Neo Prog with atmospheric themes and smooth melodies in evidence.Typical period product with nice songwriting, nothing more or less.Recommended.