Smoke 'em if ya got 'em and get ready for some strange. . .
. . . no . . not that. That's gross.
I mean some strange music.
I don't know why the release date on youtube is listed thus. It's wrong. This album is from 1979. Maybe it's remastered or rereleased. *shrug*
I just first heard them recently, so here's the summary on the band from ProgArchives.com :
Founded in Gournay sur Marne, France in 1970 - Reformed in 1978-1981 and 1990-1995 (as a duo)
ARACHNOÏD is a French major progressive band whose music was combined with the strengths of other French symphonic groups and dark progressive rock that recalled the style of KING CRIMSON. The dark sound, almost like UNIVERS ZERO, is accomplished mostly by employing melodic structures in the vein of KING CRIMSON's "Larks' Tongues In Aspic". The dramatic vocals are similar to that of Christian Decamp from ANGE. ARACHNOÏD's music expresses a continuous tension with flashy guitar's parts and tormented keyboard interventions. ARACHNOID is a unique band with nods to KING CRIMSON, PULSAR, SHYLOCK & PINK FLOYD!
The band lineup consists of Francois Faugieres on organ, Mellotron, Pierre Kuti on acoustic and electric pianos, synths, Bernard Mini on drums, Marc Meryl on lead vocals, tambourine, Philippe Honore on flute, saxophone, and vocals by Yves Javault, Christine Mariey, Martine Rateau and Patrick Woindrich, also on bass, and guitar. Nicolas Popowski also features on guitar and vocals.
ARACHNOÏD's 1978 self-titled album is one of France's finest progressive albums of the 70's, but by no means a classic. The album often receives 4 star ratings by reviewers as it is an example of excellent Symphonic Prog, with it's striking creepy cover, easily recognisable. The first four tracks of the seven are the best examples of their sound, and these are the most complicated and intriguing. The band have played classically-inspired instrumentals, but their vocalist lacks the power to carry the heavier symphonic passages. Recommended for all adventurous progsters!
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