POLLEN

One of the stronger offerings from the fertile mid-70's Montréal scene. On their one and only release, Pollen offer pure, unadulterated sympho-prog, with the usual (for Quebec) Gentle Giant influence, with some Genesis and Yes thrown in. But they aren't clones or rip-off artists, this feels very unique and transcends its influences in a big way.

Tom Rivest's vocals are very French, in a Canadian way rather than Parisian, and suit the music well, particularly on the more balladic moments such as "L'étoile" and "L'indien", which he imparts with a searching, almost desperate quality. Keyboards are handled by one Claude Lemay, who seems to favour a synth-heavy sound which, oddly, has a timeless feel, never becoming too "techy" or sci-fi. His synth textures are never less than tasteful, always serving the music.

Really, little more needs to be said other than the fact that no follow-up ever materialized (unless you count Rivest's disappointing solo albums) was regrettable. Fans of excellently-made symphonic prog, buy without hesitation.