CATALYSE

AME SON were one of the first Prog bands to come out of France releasing "Catalyse" their debut in 1970. The drummer and bass player were in Daevid Allen's band Bananamoon prior to that playing live with them in the Summer of '68 in Spain and then in France in early '69. They formed AME SON in June of '69 adding a flautist and guitarist making them a four piece. We do get some vocals as well and without question there is an early GONG and SOFT MACHINE vibe here but the focus of this band seems to be in being experimental instrumentally.

This is a difficult album to get into but that's part of what makes this record so special. Huge respect from yours truly for what this band released here. Is there humour here in the lyrics? I don't know French but you'd think with early GONG and SOFT MACHINE being an influence that there has to be some silliness.

How about 7 minutes in on "Couer Fou..." where his voice quivers. If that is flute early on the closer I have never heard it sound like that, so avant. Love the guitar that follows as the active drumming continues. The closer is my favourite with the flute and guitar leading the way. More of that guitar, drum and flute show on that fourth track although this is more folky and laid back. Some female vocals on this one too.

Going backwards track three is experimental to start before we get some nice drum work after a minute and check out the tone of the guitar after 4 minutes, so good as the flute gets dissonant and vocals arrive. Flute and a haunting sound to open track two. How inventive and "out there" is this after 1 1/2 minutes. Like free jazz really. More insanity on track one and check out the vocal arrangements to end it. Repetitive and urgent sounding with vocals 5 minutes in. It opens with drums, bass and flute and vocals not until after 2 minutes followed by guitar.

Once I "got" this one I have just grown in my appreciation of it. So adventerous! You should be proud France.