TROCARN

Late-70's Swiss group from Geneva, that recorded only one album during the 70's.Trocarn were Christian Fues on guitar/vocals, Christian Pidoux on bass/synthesizer/organ, Raphael Hardrick on drums/percussion and Manuel Munoz on guitar/vocals and their self-titled album was recorded in ten hours at the Studiovox Studios in Geneva, finally released in 1977.

Trocarn appear to have been heavily influenced by ANGE, though their style was musically much more folk-oriented, and even on the back cover of the album some puppets were drawn, a trademark of the early ANGE albums.The components of the album are the warm French vocals, the melancholic keyboards, the mellow rhythm section and constant use of acoustic guitars.The compositions are quite laid-back with few explosions, especially on the closing ''Le faysan'' with its bursting electric guitar solo.However Trocarn seem to lack the strong songwriting and composing skils of their heroes and the most interesting thing among their compositions is possibly the excellent vocal parts.The soft use of electric guitars, the abscence of significant changes and therefore the lack of some dynamics and the isolated calm instrumental passages result a work full of dreamy soundscapes but empty of memorable moments and some needed power.

Soft Theatrical Progressive/Folk Rock with a vibe from the acoustic textures of ANGE and GENESIS.The vocals come in a great French style, but the music certainly needed some more diversity.Not among the best works of the style...2.5 stars.