| The
Review |
There seems to be a wierd trend in the world of progressive
rock today - musicians getting back together with bands they
played with in their 'pre-fame' days. In recent years we have
seen Kerry Livgren (of Kansas) do this with Proto-Kaw, Keith
Emerson (of ELP) with the Nice, and Martin Orford & Mike Holmes
(of IQ) with The Lens...Now comes a newly-reformed version
of THE SYN, a 60's-era rock/psychedelic outfit that featured
future Yes-members Chris Squire & Peter Banks. Back in the
day this band released a few popular singles, were well-loved
in London club scene, and often served opening act duties
for The Who, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and The Move (an early
version of E.L.O). As it turns out, Peter Banks is not part
of this 2005 reunion CD, and seems quite bitter about that
fact judging from a scathing 'open letter' printed on his
website! (prior to "Syndestructible" there was apparently
an aborted Syn line-up featuring Banks, with Landmarq's Steve
Gee filling Squire's role.) The new Syn line-up, featured
here, consists of Squire (bass guitar and harmony vocals),
original founding member Stephen Nardelli (lead vocals), new
keyboardist Gerard Johnson, and the sibling team of Jeremy
Stacey (drums) and Paul Stacey (guitar). Perhaps not surprisingly,
given their pedigree in the 60s music scene, the band's new
music has a definite "retro" vibe to it. The production style,
even down to the way that the drums and guitars are recorded,
might lead one to believe that they are listening to a record
made somewhere between 1967 and 1974.
This might usually be something that would turn me off
(as I tend to gravitate to more modern-sounding prog bands),
but these guys pull the 'time warp' off so flawlessly (and
so sincerely) that it's hard to find any fault. It's amazing
to hear just how different this band sounds from the darker,
more modern work of Conspiracy (Squire's other side project
featuring Billy Sherwood & Jay Schellen.) It's almost is if
these two bands bring out different sides of Squire's personality.
Much of the songwriting on "Syndestructible" definitely has
a strong flavor of 70's prog-rock, with the most obvious points
of comparison being early-Yes (first 3 albums), early-Genesis,
and maybe even a bit of Pink Floyd. However, I also noted
some occassional nods to more mainstream 60s/70s acts like
Manfred Mann, The Yardbirds, and Badfinger. The songs here
are all melodic, well-structured, and arranged to display
the skills of the whole band. Gerard Johnson is certainly
a good find, giving some nice "retro" keyboard touches reminicent
of Tony Kaye's work with Yes & Badger. Also impressive is
Paul Stacey, who provides some blinding melodic runs and solid
rhythm guitar. Allthough Squire, as would be expected, turns
in plenty of dazzling bass work (as well as his trademark
vocal harmonies), he always does so in the context of the
song, never sacrificing melody or taking away space from the
other players. Stephen Nardelli is a vocalist that, to be
fair, may take some Yes/Jon Anderson die-hards a few listens
to adjust to. His anaffected mid-range voice sounds like a
hybrid of a British bluesman and laid-back coffeehouse folkie.
Nardelli may not be the rangiest singer in the prog world,
but regardless, I've come to appreciate the character & tone
of his voice (Actually, it may be one of the very things that
helps gives The Syn an identity that's distinct from Yes or
Conspiracy.) I also like Nardelli's spiritual, positive lyrics,
with all their playful imagery of angels, cathedrals, peace,
and human empathy.
Some of my favorite tracks are "Breaking Down Walls"
(great acapella vocals!), "Some Time, Some Way" (a memorable
chorus and solid harmonies on this one), "Cathedral of Love"
(a true classic, with a stunning progressive arrangement,
strong melodies, and even some cool electric sitar flavorings!),
and "The Promise" (a complex, dramatic 13 minute epic that
stands up proudly alongside some of Squire's best 'masterworks'.)
All in all, this is definitely one that should not be missed
if you are a fan of Squire's, or a fan of the formative days
of progressive rock...I look forward to seeing what comes
next from The Syn!
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