I love working with Anne Claire from Bad Dog Promotions. She has introduced me to many new bands this year that I probably would not have found out about without her assistance. Another of those new bands is Pryzme, who released their debut album, Four Inches, last year.
“Four Inches was recorded between March and July 2020”. The album was released in September of 2021, but if you missed it, like I did; it is never too late to hear about it, or give it a listen. And I think that it is very worth your while to hear.
The music and lyrics were written by David Chollet and Dominique Blanchard. Pryzme is made up of: Gabrielle Duplenne, on drums and vocals; Maxence Marmieysse, on bass, guitar, and vocals; Dominique Blanchard, on guitar and vocals; and David Chollet, on guitar and vocals. Pryzme was born from the meeting and collaborative efforts of David and Dominique, singer, guitarists, in early 2014. The band name is based on a nod to the cover of Dark Side of The Moon, from Pink Floyd.
The opener “Fusion” is a funky fusion of prog, pop and jazzy rock. An excellent guitar-driven song, with lead vocals that remind me of a good mix between Australia’s Icehouse and British 90s sensations, Keane. Then, suddenly at 5:20 minutes into the song they take a wonderful diversion, to sing like Jon Anderson, of Yes, from one of my favorite Yes albums.
Along with “Fusion”, “After Wichita”, is another of my favorites. In fact, “After Wichita” may be my favorite track on the album. The atmospherics and surrounding soundscape is more progressive than the others. They trade male vocalists often in this band and that keeps things interesting. The other tracks are very pop/rock-oriented sensations with great instrumental work throughout. There are no throw away or extra tracks on this wonderful debut album, full of interesting and engaging music. They do not credit anyone with keyboards, but the keyboard like sounds that permeate “After Wichita” and others is exquisite. “After Wichita” is over eight minutes of bliss.
“Nothing to Say”, is a mostly exemplary instrumental track with vocals added late. This band knows how to fill an album well with songs of character, that are over 5 minutes a piece.
“Pretty Princess” has a morning sunrise opening that is so tranquil and beautiful, full of fun, with children laughing and having fun. The mid-section slow guitar and at times Steely Dan presence is wonderful.
There is a very cool guitar/keyboard sound at the opening of “The Ride of Your Life”. Then, it slows into a gentle and fun rocking guitar inspired ride. With the combination of NASA space narration and the song lyrics; the concept seems to lie somewhere between space exploration and travel into the hereafter.
“Morning Song”, is another great rocker.
The title track, “Four Inches”, is the best and longest track on the album. An epic, over 13 minute closer that opens with some of the best guitar riffs on the album. The drums help build pace and rhythm, as jazzy, Yes-like bass guitar adds more flavor. Then, they slow it down with some wonderful Gilmour-influenced guitar sounds, right out of The Wall. A very intimate examination of our willingness to communicate to the world, through social media. There is a wonderful, “Na, na, na”, throwback to early Genesis, circa “The Cinema Show”. Thank you for this. Meanwhile, the guitar work, around 8 minutes in, take me back to Dark Side of The Moon. They then, bring in some wicked lead electric guitar after, that reminded me of Kansas’ famous, Magnum Opus.
Another wonderful surprise from Anne-Claire and Bad Dog Promotions. I wish I would have heard this album last year. It would have rated high on my end of year progressive rock list. There is so much here to enjoy. A wonderfully unique sound, with some equally important progressive history makers’ influences, throughout. Get this album if you are wanting to hear something different. Progressive rock, most of the time, with enough pop, straight ahead rock, and jazz to keep it interesting. Highly recommended, for a change of pace.
Four Inches, was recorded and mixed by Clément Champigny and Jérome Acquiers, in France @Studio 123 – Romillé. The album was mastered by Sébastien Lohro @ Near Deaf Expérience. The album artwork was produced by © Dominique Bizien. Photos, by ©Allyna Clavarissa.
Track List
1. Fusion – (7:39)
2. Vision – (5:20)
3. After Wichita – (8:39)
4. Nothing to Say – (6:08)
5. Pretty Princess – (8:07)
6. The Ride of Your Life – (7:52)
7. Morning Song – (6:53)
8. Four Inches – (13:49)
Social Media:
https://soundcloud.com/pryzme/four-inches
https://pryzme.bandcamp.com/album/four-inches
Music Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUgJxONuZzWx0buNYUwXNHw