GAMME

Synopsis is certainly one of France's best kept secrets. When this band from the East of France released his two albums, just a few people heard of them. For sure it was at a time, the end of the seventies and the early eighties, when prog was dead, before its renaissance thanks to the neoprog movement and the birth of structures such as prog labels or magazines. Musea precisely, the French prog label, tried to do justice by releasing the first album, "Minuit Ville" (1979). In my humble opinion, this opus doesn't reflect Synopsis' talent especially because of the poor vocals. On the contrary, "Gamme" (1981) is a must. The new singer, often close to Atoll's, gives deepness and emotion to an already rich music through poetic lyrics. For instance 'Prélude', ironically put at the end of the record, recalls Atoll's 'Le Cerf Volant', certainly one of the best French prog songs ever. Describing the music is easy: mostly keyboards based (mainly synthesizers) supported by acoustic and fuzz guitars on a typical early eighties rhythmic section (don't be afraid, just a touch of it!), in a mellow, melancholy atmosphere. All amateurs of French prog, that is theatrical symphonic rock, should have this gem in their collection. A pity this album is not available on the CD form (except an unofficial version). Another job for Musea's dynamic team!

SYNOPSIS were a French band who came out in the late seventies. Sadly they were pretty much ignored as Progressive Rock had grown out of fashion for many music fans. Sadly, because these guys were good and they could have made a name for themselves. They released two studio albums, the first in 1979 and this one in 1981.

"Cities" kicks in quickly but settles a minute in with vocals. I really like the organ and vocals after 1 1/2 minutes, they are so uplifting. This soundscape will come and go thankfully. We get a nice instrumental section that reminds me of early CAMEL for the last couple of minutes to end it. "November" opens with gentle sounds then the synths take over as a beat joins in. It does build some. Not a bad intrumental. "Tany Mena" is led by vocals and guitar early then the drums and keyboards join in after the vocals stop. Contrasts continue. I like this one a lot. A good guitar solo before 5 minutes as the organ floats and the drums pound.

"Noctambule" turns fuller before a minute but settles back quickly as passionate vocals arrive. "L'homme Fou" starts out with keys and light sounds. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes and drums 3 minutes in. The vocals become almost spoken but they are passionate in the French tradition. A more powerful soundscape comes in followed by a calm after 6 1/2 minutes. A light beat and more follows and it stays trippy to the end. "Prelude" opens with drums then it settles in with a beat and synths. It settles down more then it kicks in late.

An excellent album with some passionate vocals.

3.5 really

Second album comes in a period when no one was really intrested in prg music, was released in 1981 named Gamme. Keeping on the same coordonates and same attitude as on their first album, Synopsis here sounds closer to Ange fame more then before. Also lots of instrumental parts , really awesome for sure, but overall I think is not as great as Minuit ville. The album alternates from mellow sections with a Camel feel to more energic ones where the synth and guitars having an important role. Pieces like Cities, the instrumental Novembre are quite great showing that Synopsis were a very promissing band in prog rock zone, but sadly thir music was buried in the dust of time, only few peoples knows about them. They disbanded soon after this release I guess in 1982. Definetly Synopsis is one of the best kept secrets ever came from Franch prog school, with both albums being recommended for fans of symphonic prog with a good doze of space prog inventivness.

Synopsis is another forgotten French prog gem in the vein of Skryvania, Artcane, Acanthe, Shylock, Oniris and Angipatch , all emanating from the smoldering wreckage of progressive rock's 1977 demise at the hands of the media-fueled punk onslaught , an obviously worldwide phenomenon that was somewhat resisted in France , a land where prog was always well entrenched with mega acts with massive influence like Ange, Atoll and Magma. Casualties of musical wars, they remain today as iconic testaments of a glorious epoch of artistic freedom and a deliberate 'resistance' (as Bryan Ferry once so aptly quoted) against the commercial 'fad of the moment' oppressor.

Synopsis was fortunate to release 2 albums before disappearing into dust, the second of which is the tremendous 'Gamme', a lush, well-constructed and judiciously played series of symphonic prog tunes, well-heeled in the theatrical French approach, as well as a definite early Genesis that comes shining through in the luxuriant keyboards of Christian Bolze. A highly resourceful rhythm duo keep things snug and brawny, while guitarist Christian Hoff scours the horizons, looking out for new sounds and thrills. Lead vocalist Michel Bail strides forth in typical expressive French prog style, hushed as well sensual, theatrical and emotionally charged when called upon. But it's really a keyboard fest, Bolze laying down eternal ivory carpets of sound, displaying incredible talent in symphonic stylings, making this a prized possession.

Tracks such as the vibrant 'Cities'(English title, French lyrics) showcase intense use of swelling organ, swirling guitar riffs and sweltering bass and swooping drums, all ensconced in team playing for the cause, inviting the lovely melody that overtakes the harpsichord and organ woven arrangement, Michel Bail doing a convincing performance on the microphone. A fantastic introduction that lays down the proper premise (amazing singing, thoughtful melodies and expert playing), a constant throughout this amazing recording.

Equally thrilling is 'November' (English title, instrumental), acoustic guitar splendour announces a synth-led main theme that just weaves through the speakers, instantly captivating and famously seductive in its constantly bolstered repetition. Tony Banks certainly does come to mind, much to our pleasure.

'Tany Mena' is a vocal piece about Madagascar, that mythical island paradise that continues to inspire travellers searching for the rare experience. Bail sings his heart out within a narrow furrow of guitar riffing and melodious organ decorations, perhaps a tad more accessible than the previous symphonic pieces. But entirely enjoyable is the trembling Hoff guitar solo, with a slight slippery 'island' feel, all quite terrific and pleasantly original. This is real good music, indeed!

'Noctambule' provides a little change of pace, playful, sleepless and jaunty, adequately altering the mood and contrasting well with previous and upcoming pieces. It has that famed French vocal style that brings to mind voices like Decamps, Le Guennec and Balzer, but graced with complex parallel lines on keys, bass, guitar and drums. Short and yet quite complementary.

The epic 11 minute + 'L'Homme Fou' (French title and French lyrics) carves slowly from gentle guitar and keyboard ornamentations that weave a musical textile of sound, gilded with superlative Bail vocals complete with tremolo and perspiration. Dynamic drumming instills a Genesis meets King Crimson inspiration, terrifically impressive in propelling the music forward with effusive impunity. Like the title implies, the feverish voice threatens insanity and crazed zeal. The mood then suddenly veers into this very cool dreamy groove, boom-boom rhythms abound, quite simple but oh so effective, giving Bolze room to roam effortlessly on his battery of ivories. Sensationally smooth and imaginary, what a track!

The superb instrumental 'Prelude', (yeah, the French like to do it backwards too), ends this album and ultimately their career. Piano-driven, clanging guitar and solemn melancholia make this track a perfect au revoir, exploding into a myriad of stars at the end, a fitting send- off. Just a fabulous musical statement that deserves recognition.

This is a very tasty jewel that deserves a place in any prog collection, especially your 'I want to impress you with unknown stuff' section.

4.5 French varietals

I can't say anything about this album, except I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! It is a gargantuan improvement over Minuit Ville (which I would rate 3.5 stars), and they have a new bassist and a new vocalist in this one. I know I will repeate adjectives that others have used, but it is inevitable, this album I would describe as warm and passionate. Guitars and keys are awesome all the time, and man you gotta love the way this guy sings! Cover art fits perfectly this kind of muic, and we also must consider that this baby was made in 1981 (gosh there are so many excellent things from the eighties). The first song is listed out in the original LP as "Intro" and is a short spoken, well, intro. Then this monster begins with Cités (cities), starting with some keys and guitar until it calms a bit and vocals arrive. This pace is kept until past halfway, where it spices up with a great instrumental ending. Novembre is purely instrumental, and is all about keyboards, starts softly and grows proggressively. Tany Mena (Terre Rouge) is a song about Madagascar ("Tany Mena" means red earth in the Malgache language, or precisely, terre rouge), starts with some vibes and strong drums, then vocals begin, it settles down later with beautiful keys and the theme is repeated, a killer 3-minute guitar solo ends it awesome song and my fave from the record! Side 2 begins with Noctambule, which is not that complex but again keys and vocals take the spotlight, it is great. L'Homme Fou is the highlight for many. Starts with a soft keys sound and vocals, then explodes and introduces lots of instrumental and vocal changes, until around the 6 minute mark, where a dreamy soundscapes fills the song until the end. Prelude is the last song, and is also instrumental. Has this soft middle part that I really enjoy. Original record came out in the F.L.V.M. label (which was also the label of bands like Vortex and Abus Dangereux) and there has been no "legit" CD release (since the only one is from Tachika). I can't put into words how much joy this album brings to me every time I listen to it. I could give this 6 or 7 or all stars ever, it is one of my timeless favorites. If you haven't got it, run for it, and i'll say it once again: MASTERPIECE.

I like the hidden and obscure, and this album certainly fits that criteria. Synopsis were of french origin and while that country had a blooming prog scene in the mid seventies, but like in any country that isn't in eastern Europe or is Japan prog rock prowess slowly faded away towards the end of the decade. Come Synopsis who released a fairly mediocre first album in 1979 which you are much more likely to find. Sadly this second, much improved album is rare and expensive and not available on anything other than vinyl.

Although released independently, Gamme has great transparent production, with many layers of heavy keyboard work, colourful drum and bass playing and a great sounding, piercing but very melodic lead guitar. Vocals are all in french well sung and inoffensive to the foreign ear, but the album is mainly an instrumental work anyway.

'Cités' and 'Tany Mena' are great longer pieces where the two Christians of the band really shine. 'Novembre' is an instrumental starting out acoustic before steadily developing on keys while the guitar sticks to one melody. It has a fantastic end section that sadly is over way too soon. The centerpiece on the second side is 'L'Homme Fou' which can be devided into two parts. The first one is in the same vein as 'Cités' before but at around six minutes the song shifts to full on space electronica with a stoic montone drum machine giving much room for the synths to carry the song to the end. An acquired taste and the second part does drag on a bit. The band ends their carrier on a good note with the ironically titled 'Prelude'. Not a perfect record, but well worth your time and money if a copy in good condition does show up again.

~ first published at 'audio.philip' on Instagram ~

Gamme was delivered shortly before the arrival of compact discs. Unavoidably constrained by the physical limitations of vinyl, it duly lasts no more than 41 minutes. Which is altogether a crying shame because it is simply terrific throughout.

Let's get somewhat controversial. I enjoy Cinquieme Saison by Harmonium, but I'm not sure it isn't grossly overrated on this site - indeed, I would contend that its successor, L'heptade, is itself much better overall. In any event, however, I find Gamme to be much more consistently enjoyable than either of the aforementioned - it's just a real treat to listen to from start to finish. (Which, in my opinion, is definitely more than can be said for some of the CDs currently sitting in PA's "top 50 albums of all time"!)

I couldn't hope to emulate, let alone rival, the beautifully descriptive passages to be found in Tszirmay's splendid 2014 review, so I won't even try. Every word therein remains valid.

This is an overlooked gem, and one that deserves a much higher rating overall. If you can live with your conscience as regards the ultimate destination of any investment, I note that it currently remains accessible via any number of mp3 music websites of spurious legality.