ANGE - CARICATURES - 1972

Ange biography
Formed in late 1969 by brothers Christian Descamps (vocals) and Francis Descamps (keyboards) and later joined by guitarist Jean-Michel Brézovar, bassist Daniel Haas and Gérard Jelsh on drums, this French symphonic progressive rock band, similar to contemporaries such as Genesis and King Crimson, is undoubtedly France's most important prog band. Marrying prog rock influences with French folk and theatrical vocals à la Jacques Brel (Ange covered Ces Gens-là from Brel, and it turned out to be their first hit in 1970), Ange's music, but mostly their lyrics, are second to none. Thirty years later, after multiple lineup changes, charismatic and theatrical frontman Christian Descamps leads the new Ange generation alongside his son Tristan on keyboards, Hassan Hajdi on guitars, Thierry Sidhoun on bass, Caroline Crozat on vocals and Benoît Cazzulini on drums.

The classic line up (except for the drummer which changed often) recorded many cult classics, such as « Caricatures », « Le Cimetière des Arlequins », and a series of masterpieces like « Au-delà du Délire », « Émile Jacotey », « Par les Fils de Mandrin » and « Guet-Apens ». 10 years after « Guet-Apens », the same lineup would reunite and release two albums, « Sève qui Peut » in 1989 and « Les larmes du Dalaï-Lama » in 1992. While being modern, these albums nevertheless captured the main ingredients unique to Ange. Their latest albums, « Culinaire Lingus » and « ? » see the band as inspired and pertinent as ever, as if Descamps had found the secret of eternal youth.

This band is more than highly recommended, it is mandatory listening for fans of theatrical symphonic progressive rock, especially the period between « Caricatures » and « Guet-Apens ».

Review
I have to thank Bonnek for insisting that i check this album out.He knows my taste in music too well.This debut album from ANGE is darker than the ones that follow and less polished,both positives for me. And overall the vocals don't take the spotlight like on later releases.I love this album from start to finish,in fact the only part i don't like is the brief theatrical spoken word section to start one of the songs which is no big deal. "Biafra 80" is fairly dark with synths.This sounds very cool.It then brightens as these contrasts continue.The guitar sounds great before 2 minutes,organ follows. The tempo keeps switching from slow to fast early on on the next track "Tels Quels".Vocals are passionate here.It kicks in before 2 minutes with some nice guitar.Back to the earlier contrasts as themes are repeated.Great tune. "Dignite" is led by drums and organ early on.It settles with vocals after 2 minutes.A calm with flute after 5 1/2 minutes then it picks back up 8 minutes in with some excellent guitar.Organ follows. "Le Soir Du Diable" features beautiful acoustic guitar as bass,drums and reserved vocals join in.Keyboards too.Just a gorgeous track. "Caricatures" opens with spoken words only then the music comes in after 2 minutes.This is fairly laid back.It picks up 4 1/2 minutes in then settles a minute later to a solemn mood.It kicks back in before 7 1/2 minutes then settles with keys before 9 minutes.Vocals a minute later. "Biafra 80" ends the album with an experimental and inventive instrumental. I didn't expect going in to this one that it would end up being my favourite ANGE album.
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