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aside beside
12+ albums
Progressive rockProgressiveavantgardefranceCrossover Prog
about
With the phantom of GENESIS forever wandering about the prog vaults, one could argue that the last thing needed was another clone or G-wannabe. Yet, ASIDE BESIDE (hailed as the new French wave) are one of those rare intelligent followers of the mighty "G" who manage to give their material an unmistakable personal flavour. Clearly from the early 70's symphonic school, their album "Tadj Mahall Gates" displays a rare perfection for a first attempt. The core of the band consists of Lionel Giardina on lead vocals, guitars and Layotron; Frederic Woff on synths, drums and percussion; Vincent Chevalier on mellotron, organ and backing vocals; Pascal Riaux on electric and acoustic guitars; and Tristan Pean on bass guitar. A hefty score of 8 extra musicians also appear on their album "Tadj Mahall Gates", released by Musea in 2002e Upon hearing "Tadj Mahall Gates', the listener instantly recognizes the BANKS-ian keyboards, the HACKETT-esque solos, even the husky (and pleasantly non-accented) vocals of a Peter GABRIEL (vocalist Lionel Giardina almost sounds more PG than PG himself!) But wait: there are also outbursts of EGG-like discord in this music (the English EGG, not the Swedish one); some killer guitar solos that range from Pat Metheny's to Allan HOLDSWORTH's; definite classical influences provided by oboe solos and martial brass choirs; even an operatic tour de force by tron master Chevalier-turned-baritone for one track. The performance is huge, the musicianship astounding and th
