Troisieme Rive - Banlieues. 1978 France

Troisième Rive's sole album was part of the electrified French folk movement, which had gained quite a bit of traction in Brittany with bands such as Malicorne and Gwendal. However this album is from Besançon, on the eastern front, bordering Switzerland - though there are similarities regarding the folk rock approach. A vocal-heavy album, so if you're looking for more instrumental expansion, you won't find it here. There's even a hint of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis in the vocal passages, but again, no major instrumental break outs (not to say there isn't some fine playing from all, especially the guitarist). Good for fans of French folk rock with a mild progressive influence. Features a fantastic album cover, however.

I did own this album back in the 90s, and sold off. In reflection, that appears to have been the right move.

LP: 1978 Disques Iris

Originally reviewed: April 13, 2011 (updated here)