POLLEN

Excellent mid-70's symphonic prog by this canadian band which comes from Quebec,a region of Canada where the prog rock scene was very strong in the 70's...To tell the truth by the first 2 or 3 listens I didn't like this album that much...But then every time I listened to it the music seemed slowly to unfold so the result is a thrilling symphonic album, very close to a masterpiece...The vocals of Jacques Tom Rivest are emotional and theatrical, a very good performer indeed...Three of the four members play keyboards so it is reasonable that this is the prominent instrument of the album, where the three of them have made an excellent work...The album contains also some nice solos, acoustic guitar passages as well as some nice flute work...Main influences of the band are GENESIS and YES along with the legends of the French prog rock scene ANGE...Highlights of the album the beautiful symphonic ballad ''L' Indien'' along with the most dark track of the disc ''Vivre la mort''

A must have for all prog fans , especially for those who love keyboard driven 70's symphonic prog...Check this rare gem without hesitation...4 stars for me...