LE CIMETIÈRE DES ARLEQUINS

The good times for Ange started soon after the release of their debut.The band crossed the English Channel in 1973 for a tour on the British grounds and with the support of their label Phillips they released the same year their sophomore album ''Le cimetiere des arlequins''.

Surprisingly the album opens with a cover of Jacques Brel's ''"Ces gens-la", a naturally theatrical song and a perfect choice for Ange's repertoire, adapted nicely by the band in a Theatrical Prog style.The rest of the album shows hints already known from Ange's debut, a Symphonic/Psychedelic Rock with intense keyboard passages played by the Decamps' brothers and the expressive vocals of Christian Decamps on the forefront.The production remains very muddy, adding the album an overall haunting atmosphere even in its more romantic moment.Compositionally the album stands well next to the band's debut, but it is a bit more vocal-heavy with limited instrumental themes and an even more theatrical approach.The music though is quite charming with psychedelic guitars, folky acoustic moments, including some flute passages and powerful bass work.The dark keyboard parts will always remain Ange's trademark.Grandiose interludes and beautiful organ breaks are offered with generosity and add the album this unique symphonic flavor that only Ange could create.

Not as good as their debut but of course another succesful Ange album.Dark, lyrical and deeply atmospheric Symphonic Rock for dedicated fans of the style.Recommended.