The Syn - (2005) Syndestructible

The Syn - (2005) Syndestructible

I have not heard that a band which was active 40 years ago reformed themselves into new outfit using the same name and newer music. The Syn was Chris Squire’s band prior to Yes. The band was practically defunct after the first debut of Yes was released in 1969. I did not pay into attention on the first time when this band was reformed in 2005 with “Syndestructible” until sometime last year a friend of mine, Rizal informed me about the existence of the new album from a band of 1965. I was so curious about how the music would sound like having known the quality of Chris Squire – whom has been called as the grand pa of Rickenbacker bass guitar. I was actually not so explorative in terms of Chris’s solo or the band before him – but for sure I do love his work with Yes.

Well, I don’t want to dwell into all history kind of thing as you may find it easily through the net with the held of Dr Google. The main question remains: how would the music sound like? Would it be something close to Yes or Chris’ own solo album “Fish Out of Water”. The beginning track “Breaking Down Walls” (0:51) is very Yes “Magnification” style with a combined style of Chris “Fish Out of Water” solo album in an acapella version. It’s quite relaxing intro followed with acoustic guitar work plus keyboard that brings us into next track “Some Time, Some Way” (7:56). The first impression about this song is something in the vein of Dire Straits music (similar to the style of “Brother In Arms” album). The music is so relaxing and enjoyable especially on its groove and rhythm section. There is basically nothing complex this album offers.

It’s been quite sometime ago when I first spun the album. It did not really impress me at first spins of the album until quite sometime. It’s not that the music was bad it’s more on getting the “a-ha” experience from this album. In fact, in some occasion, I play the album through iPod while riding a bicycle to work or going back home. This morning, I spun it while I was riding a bicycle to the office. It’s really quite relaxing and the music offers me a piece of mind so that it was able to keep in balance especially during the traffic jam.

It’s so peaceful when “Reach Outro” (3:38) enters its intro with ambient keyboard, bass guitar and vocal. The song is basically an instrumental track with some chanting of “reach out” and it’s cool. It also demonstrates Chris bass guitar work which serves as solo, instead of beat keeper. “Cathedral Of Love” (8:58) is a beautifully crafted song with nice melody and simple arrangement with some sort of string section. Well, I would say that you like this song as it cut across the whole spectrum of Chris Squire style, especially throughout his solo. Musically, there is an obvious style that is very close to Yes “Magnification” as well.

Almost songs in this album are crafted in similar style even though this does not mean that the album is boring. Even, I do enjoy this album when I spin it from start to end. This demonstrates that this album is successful in creating the music as a cohessive whole where the listeners will be instantly stimulated to have another spin of the CD. The only song that I think I feel “bored” is “The Golden Age” because I hate the beats that truly a very pop song.

This album is well produced and it does have good sonic quality. I would suggest you to play the msuic loud because there is basically no high register notes produced by the music. I do enjoy the mixing on guitar sounds as well as Chris’ Rickenbacker bass guitar.

Overall, it’s a very good album that I recommend to all of you who are exploring prog music to have this one. If you think that the music is quite simple, just treat it for a break after listening to complex music. Recommended. Keep on proggin’ ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild – GW

TrackList:
1. Breaking Down Walls (0:51)
2. Some Time, Some Way (7:56)
3. Reach Outro (3:38)
4. Cathedral Of Love (8:58)
5. City Of Dreams (9:38)
6. Golden Age (8:07)
7. The Promise (13:28)

LineUp:
- Stephen Nardelli / vocals
- Chris Squire / bass, vocals
- Paul Stacey / guitar, vocals
- Gerard Johnson / keyboards, vocals
- Jeremy Stacey / drums