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(26:54; Siiilk) ![]() ![]() It has been quite a while since I last heard from French band Siiilk, but I was a huge fan of their 2017 album ‘Endless Mysteries’ and this four-track set was recorded just two years later at Les Nuits de Fourviere on July 21st, 2019, when they were the opening act for Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets. Given they were the opening act I presume this is the complete set, so we have four songs, with three from the 2012 debut and only one from the previous album. The line-up has been stable with Richard Pick (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Catherine Pick (vocals, Indian harmonium), Gilbert Gandil (electric guitar), Jacques Roman (keyboards) and Guillaume Antoncelli (bass guitar) still there and the only change being the introduction of a new drummer, Clement Vullion. In some ways this material is quite reminiscent of Hackett, but there are undoubtedly also elements of Pink Floyd, Seventies Barclay James Harvest, Camel, Caravan, and so much more. There are times when it is almost folk in its approach, at others it is pastoral while it can be somewhat driving at others. Richard’s vocals do have an accent, and in many ways that is the only way to determine this is not a British act as it certainly has far more influences from across the channel than it does from France. Catherine’s vocals are wonderfully clear and light, providing a contrasting dynamic to Richard while her harmonium also takes their music in a different direction and the nuanced addition of birdsong certainly feels right within the context. I missed out on their last studio album, 2022’s ‘Eemynor’ but it was recorded by the same line-up as this, so I have high hopes and definitely need to seek it out. If you have yet to come across Siiilk then this is a great introduction and at only EUR5 is a real bargain. If you like the more thoughtful and less bombastic or experimental styles of prog, then this is something you need to explore. Progtector: August 2026
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