Stadacone

With a slightly changed line-up (drummer being replaced and an extre percussionist also), Sloche was still headed by the double keyboard attack and having plenty of back-up by their guitarist and the rest of the band. “Stadacone” is relatively close to their debut although more towards Mahavishnu and Gentle Giant, than the debut.

Opening 10-min+ title track is already warning us that this album will be slightly more disjointed, but nothing to be alarmed: the spirit of “J’un Oeuil” is still there — just definitely funkier. “Le Cosmosphile” is the only sung track (another slight change from the debut) which brings us right back into their debut album, while one of the keyboard players plays a rare sax solo, too bad the song ends in a fade-out. “Sauver Barbara” is an organ-drenched syncopated funky jazz-rock.

The second side opens on the “Ad Hoc” highlight and takes you towards a heavenly trip. Yet another short track “La Baloune” is full of great ambiances with Murray again on woodwinds. “Isacaaron” is the splendid closing Gentle Giant-esque track that is giving its all-out effort for the album’s personality.

Most classical proghead fans will prefer their debut album, while the fusionhead will enjoy this album. Both albums are immensely successful and it is a complete shame Sloche will never be able to record a third album.
-progarchives.com

Rejean Yacola: keyboards
Martin Murray: keyboards
Caroll Bedard: guitars
Pierre Hebert: bass
Andre Roberge: drums & percussions
Gilles Ouellet: celesta, percussions