In a recent post I featured Deus Ex Machina's Equilibrismo da Insofferenza. That same order included Forgas Band Phenomena's debut album. That's a lot of music to absorb at once! What a surprise Roue Libre was at the time. The only album that Patrick Forgas released that was even remotely interesting - to me at least - was Cocktail, an album from 20 years prior with funk and fusion influences. 23 years later from acquiring both the above albums, I can say with certainty that the veteran's new combo has held up better. Contained here are 3 instrumental tracks from a 6 piece band, totaling 45 minutes. Sounds like it could be a yawn fest. Yet it's nothing of the sort. The music continues to evolve, shift, explore, rock, and dance. It never stays in place too long - and it doesn't use crutches like aimless jamming or experimental noise to plow through the time. It's tightly composed and remains highly melodic throughout. Roue Libre is truly a brilliant work. There have been 5 more recordings from the Forgas Band Phenomena since, and they are all excellent, though this debut may very well be their best. This is one of many 1990s prog albums that have fallen into the forgotten category.
1997; 11/18/20 (new entry)
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