Synthesis - s/t. 1973 France

Synthesis (not related to any other French bands named Synthesis) fit squarely in the traditional horn rock genre, similar to many of the US/UK bands of the era. I'd say Synthesis tracks closest to classic early Chicago, and that's a good thing in my book. With song titles like 'Dilemma of My Life', 'Walkin' In the Hell', 'Insanity', 'My Obsession', and the 3 part closer 'Symphony for a Stranger', I think it's safe to assume that Synthesis weren't aiming for the bubblegum hit parade. The songwriting is top notch, the horn charts are exhilarating, the guitar is fuzz laden / psychedelic, and the energy level is high. And the album gets freakier as it goes, and I've said this a few times before, that's always a hallmark of a great album. As if they said, "Oh screw it, no one will buy this, so let's just GO FOR IT!". Yea, baby. A bit late in the game for this type of sound but a must for fans of horn rock.

LP: 1973 Fabulous

The LP comes in a fine day-glo orange gatefold cover. Never reissued, and it certainly could use one! I eventually broke down and bought the LP from a French dealer, about the only place you will find this album even today.