Ange are quite possibly the most famous progressive rock band to ever come out of France. With their signature symphonic style that featured the theatrical vocals of Christian DeCamps, Ange took the formula created by Genesis and paved the way for the French prog scene that was further enhanced by bands such as Mona Lisa and Atoll. This fabulous live concert from 1987 includes the original band members in a truly gripping performance that is finally being released by the folks at Musea.
While most of Ange's classic material was recorded in the mid-70's, you'd be hard pressed to tell that this live recording didn't come from that period in the bands history. Classics like "Fils de Lumiere" and "Sur La Trace Des Fees" are filled with emotion and power, as if the band were playing them for the first time. While the tracks on Tome 87 feature a heavier hitting guitar sound, the keyboards are what really stand out, courtesy of Francis DeCamps. The multitude of synthesizers, organ, piano, and Mellotron give each song a tremendous flair, and adds to the pompous nature that is forever the style of Ange. An added plus is the inclusion of "Le Nain de Stanislas", heard here for the first time ever on an Ange live album.
Tome 87 is one of the best archival live releases that I have heard so far this year, from one of the most important prog rock bands in the French scene. Kudos to Musea for getting this to the public!
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