POLLEN - POLLEN - 1976

POLLEN was a Canadian four-some that released only one album of symphonic progressive in the seventies. They were from the Quebecois progressive scene and were perhaps the most-known Canadian symphonic group with HARMONIUM but their music is much purely rooted in the symphonic genre than their countrymen, whose music is more folk-oriented. The group consisted of Jacques Tom Rivest (vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards), Richard Lemoyne (electric & acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards), Claude Lemay (keyboards, flute, bass, vibraphone, vocals) and Sylvain Coutu (drums, vibraphone).

The only album was released in 1976. It is a very good keyboard dominated symphonic album. They remind me mostly of the English groups like YES, GENTLE GIANT and ELP but not really distinctly any of these groups. In addition, they also have some of that typical French sound and similarity to the seventies French symphonic groups such as CARPE DIEM. The vocals are in French, which is common for the French Canadian groups. This album is nicely varied albeit not very original.

POLLEN is essential Quebecois symphonic progressive. Recommended!


POLLEN were another fantastic 70's Quebecois (French Canadian) progressive rock abnd who managed to release one fantastic symphonic gem. Without a question this is one of my all time favourite albums from Canada's 70's scene. Like most of the Quebecois bands, the recipe is a mizture of rich melodies, symphonic overtones and veins of deep originality. POLLEN mixed deep tonal analog keyboards with great guitar and a solid combo of bass and drum interplay. Vocals are sung in French and offer some great expressionism and character. Hard to peg this one down exactly but one might draw allusions to a mix of classic GENESIS, NEKTAR and ELOY. For those who love lush yet fluid and ever changing rhythmic progressive rock will deeply love this album... it's a 10 out of 10 kids!
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