AU-DELÀ DU DÉLIRE

The selling numbers indicated that Ange was a band on the rise.From the 60,000 copies of their debut the numbers went to no. 75,000 for their second album.But the biggest proof of their talent was their stunning performance during August 73' at the Reading Festival in UK next to Genesis and in front of 30,000 people and the standing ovation that followed their performance.The next year Ange recorded their third studio album, ''Au-dela du delire''.For this work they recruited guest singers Eric Bibonne and Michel Lefloch along with violin player Henry Loustau.This was another product of the Phillips label.

With ''Au-dela du delire'' eventually the poetic Progressive Rock of Ange comes in full shape.This is a fascinating combination of mellow, folky textures with dramatic, dark Symphonic Rock with the music being surrounded by the theatrical and powerful vocals of Christian Decamps.The discreet psychedelic influences of the early years have left their place to deep, keyboard themes with grandiose organ and Mellotron interludes, lush and inventive orchestrations mixing Medieval flavors with orchestral musicianship and poetic, story-telling narrations.The acoustic parts do have an evident GENESIS vibe, but the overall mood is along the lines of French Rock, while the sound is quite original due to the unique use of dusty keyboards, creating genuine and haunting instrumental soundscapes.The general atmosphere, especially on the more electrified moments, recalls GENESIS' from the ''Trespass'' days, where the rockin' moods were nicely lifted with symphonic and acoustic mannerisms.The title-track of the album is simply outstanding, a milestone of French Progressive Rock with its dramatic, lyrical first part and the melodious second movement with the impressive guitar work of Jean-Michel Brezovar.

An album, that defines the sound of French Progressive Rock and has been a guide for many French bands in the near and far future.It was voted as the 73rd greatest French Rock album by ''Rolling stone'', no surprise.This is essential, melodramatic and rich Prog music, the way it should be played.Highly recommended.