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The Syn

Syndestructible Tour 2006 DVD

Review by Gary Hill

Best known as one of the precursor bands to Yes, The Syn reunited recently and this DVD captures one of the shows on their reunion tour. The lineup here is different than the one on their new CD, most notably with Alan White being added on drums. When you consider that the bassist is also Chris Squire, it's obvious that Yes fans will be all over this. Don't expect a huge production with lights and such. Also, don't expect to hear Yes. While The Syn have some Yes sound to them (particularly the early incarnations of that band) this is no clone effort. Vocalist Steve Nardelli's singing is probably closer to The Kinks than Yes, and that gives a much different texture to the music. I'd say the best part of the performance is that it's always entertaining to watch musicians who are enjoying themselves, and it's obvious these guys are. In fact, I don't think in all the times I've seen Yes perform that I've ever seen Squire having more fun than he has here. The band pull together a full set of some great progressive rock music. There is a certain charm to the fact that this performance is done in a small club with the group packed onto a moderately small stage. For people who followed The Syn back in the 1960's this is probably a dream come true. For Yes completists it is a "must have,' too. The truth is, though any prog rock fan should really enjoy this. It certainly is prog rock that is not overly similar to any other group. It is also very entertaining. The DVD is rounded out by a great interview with the whole band and also a photo gallery. This one is a winner all the way around. I suppose if I had one complaint it would be that Chris Squire's onstage story about Jimi Hendrix is a bit long and kind of takes away from the momentum. Still, it's fun and shows a different side to the band. If I had to give this one a number rating (we don't do that here), I'd say 9 out of 10.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

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