Atoll - Musiciens-Magiciens (Reissue) (1974/1989)

ATOLL were a talented French ensemble who very much carried their own symphonic sound blending the finer aspects of fellow acts ANGE, PULSAR and MONA LISA. Their style is very theatrical in nature offering dynamic and melodic arrangements with some great song writing. Along the topics it is impossible to avoid the comparisons with GENESIS, YES and MAHAVISHU ORCHESTRA. The changes of members were another of the characteristics of this group who counted John WETTON among their members.

ATOLL, in their short history, released two excellent and very different albums. Recorded in 1974, "Musiciens-Magiciens" is mediocre. In my mind, "L'Araignee Mal" (1975) stands as the pinnacle of ATOLL's work and is an essential for any prog collection. They add a violinist to the band and a touch of fusion to their sound, this is a very exciting album. "Tertio" (3rd album) features their exploration into the symphonic world of France's 70's progressive rock genre. Highly regarded French band.