There is a world of difference between the original 1971 Sloche lineup and the one that appeared on record, so much so that one could be misled to believe that two groups existed, both using the same name. Between original members Pierre Bouchard (keyboards), Jacques Collin (bass), Fernand Paré (drums) and Marcel Périgny (guitar), only Périgny appeared elsewhere in Quebec's progressive history as member of South Gate 24, later to become W.D. Fisher. (Fernand Paré would later become mbmer of blues/folk/country/cajun singer and guitarist Jay Sewall`s Cajun Blues Band.) The first of the recorded lineup to appear is keyboardist Réjean Yacola. Fresh from advanced studies at the Conservatoire de musique de Québec, Yacola came from a different world than the other members. The group already incorporated twin-keyboardist arrangements, with compositions such as "Stadaconé" in the group's early repertoire.
The original lineup gradually transforms into the one which recorded the two masterpieces "J'un Oeil" (1975) and "Stadaconé" (1976). Bringing out his black book of Conservatoire contacts, Yacola first drafted bassist Pierre Hébert, son of jazz pianist Gérard Hébert. Following suit were guitarist Caroll Bérard and keyboardist Martin Murray. One by one, the original members quit the group, although Bouchard continued to collaborate in band compositions (notably "Stadaconé" and "Isaacaron").
A superb debut, the first band offering gives off traces of a musical environment imbibed with both Canterbury-ish influences (Caravan, Soft Machine, Hatfield and the North) and jazz-funk territory, while giving a few discrete nods, here and there, to British band Gentle Giant. Drummer Gilles Chiasson is the sole member not to offer a composition to the track listing. The band's harmonized vocals, be they on the title track or on "Potage aux herbes douteuses", come out smooth and uniform. If the first album impresses, the second's display of skill and presentation blows the competition out of the water, coming closer to fusion. Chiasson is replaced by drummer André Roberge and percussionist Gilles Ouellet, but this change does not explain the remarkable leap in ability from all musicians. "Stadaconé"'s title track (hailing from the band's early years) is now reworked into a tour de force, as is "Isaacaron (ou le démon des choses sexuelles)", both credited to Pierre Bouchard and Yacola. The band pushes beyond previous limits, resulting in a peerless album from Quebec's progressive '70s. This is truly the work of international calibre... Unfortunately, the group remained unknown outside its home province during its existence.
http://www.progquebec.com/sloche.html
