Kashmir - 1979 - Alarme!

Kashmir

1979 

Alarme!

01. Desert Bleu 3:24

02. Je Suis... 3:16

03. Alarme! 3:05

04. Linear 7:00

05. Far Away 4:44

06. Slowly 3:32

07. 6 H 30 4:20

08. Go! 10:15

Keyboards, Concert Grand Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals, Percussion – Patrice Guenat

Drums, Percussion – Alain Petitmermet

Electric Guitar, Lead Guitar – Philippe Ryser

Vocals – Henry Dubelly

Recorded and Mixed by: Mountain Studio, Montreux, Switzerland, November 1978

Kashmir's 1979 album Alarme! bursts onto the Swiss prog-electronic scene like a polite Alpine alarm clock—waking up listeners with swirling synths, dramatic vocals, and a healthy dose of symphonic ambition that somehow manages to feel both futuristic and endearingly rooted in the late-70s prog ethos. This Swiss duo-turned-band effort, released on Disques Lasfarguette (DL 3300) with distribution ties to Discodis and Bellaphon, was recorded and mixed at the legendary Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland, in November 1978. Produced with executive input from Didier Lasfarguette and engineered by the formidable Dave Richards (with assistance from a young Eugène Chaplin, no less), Alarme! captures that crisp, high-fidelity analog glow typical of the era's top-tier facilities—think polished yet adventurous, the kind of record where every tubular bell rings with crystal clarity.

The biography of Kashmir centers on the core duo of Henry Dubelly and Patrice Guenat, who formed the project as a keyboard-driven progressive outfit in Switzerland. Dubelly, serving as the primary vocalist, lyricist, and conceptual force (often called the "master mind"), brought theatrical flair and emotional depth, while Guenat handled the bulk of composition, keyboards, piano, Mellotron, synths, and percussion. They expanded to a fuller band for this recording, enlisting support players to flesh out the arrangements. Influenced by the grand symphonic prog of Yes (especially the epic structures and keyboard wizardry), Genesis's atmospheric storytelling, and the emerging electronic experiments of the late 70s—think a touch of Jean-Michel Jarre's futuristic sheen crossed with European prog's romanticism—Kashmir crafted music that felt like a bridge between the dying embers of classic prog and the rising synth-pop tide. Their Swiss base in Montreux, home to so many iconic sessions, undoubtedly rubbed off, infusing the album with a polished international sheen rare for private-press or small-label releases.

Musicians involved elevate the material beyond mere duo noodling. Patrice Guenat dazzles on concert grand piano, various synthesizers, Mellotron, tubular bells, vocals, and percussion, laying down lush, layered foundations. Henry Dubelly contributes vocals, photography, and co-writing, delivering dramatic, accented English and French-tinged performances that add character (and occasional unintentional comedy in the earnest delivery). Electric and lead guitar comes courtesy of Philippe Ryser, providing sharp, melodic leads that cut through the synth wash. Alain Petitmermet anchors the rhythm with drums and percussion, while François De Siebenthal arranges choir, brass, and strings for those grand, Yes-like swells. The whole ensemble was arranged and conducted under the Kashmir banner, resulting in tight, orchestrated performances that never feel overcrowded.

Technically, Alarme! is a prog-electronic delight blending synth-pop accessibility with symphonic complexity—roughly 40 minutes of dynamic shifts, atmospheric builds, and instrumental showcases. Tracks like the dreamy "Desert Bleu" and punchy "Je Suis..." open with accessible melodies and keyboard hooks, while the title track "Alarme!" injects urgency and alarm-like tension. The epic "Linear" (seven minutes) and side-closing "Go!" (over ten minutes) are highlights, unfolding with Yes-inspired grandeur, intricate keyboard runs, guitar solos that soar like mountain peaks, and rhythmic propulsion that keeps things grounded. "Far Away," "Slowly," and "6 H 30" offer more introspective, atmospheric moments with piano and vocal focus. Recorded at Mountain Studios, the production shines with excellent separation: rich, warm analog synth tones, punchy drums, crystalline vocals, and spacious reverb that makes the Mellotron and strings feel orchestral. It's technically accomplished without sterility—humorous little flourishes in the arrangements (those tubular bells!) add levity to the otherwise earnest prog drama.

The artwork, featuring illustrations by Pierre Regard and Robert Aron alongside Dubelly's photography and logo/sleeve design, presents a striking, somewhat surreal visual that perfectly encapsulates the album's alarm-themed urgency and dreamy escapism. Bold colors, abstract yet evocative imagery, and a gatefold-friendly layout (with inner lyrics sheet) give it that classic prog collectible feel—dramatic enough to catch the eye on a shelf but artistic rather than garish. It cleverly mirrors the music's blend of electronic futurism and organic prog warmth, like a Swiss watchmaker designing a cosmic alarm clock.

Upon its 1979 release, Alarme! found a dedicated but niche audience in European prog circles, appreciated for its ambitious scope and high production values at a time when many prog acts were struggling. Critics praised the keyboard work, epic structures, and emotional vocals, though some noted the language quirks or derivative elements as charming rather than groundbreaking. Public reception was modest—stronger in Switzerland and France via local distribution—but it built a cult following among collectors. Its legacy today is that of a delightful obscure gem in the Swiss/French prog-electronic canon, reissued occasionally and cherished by fans of late-70s symphonic sounds. For those hunting hidden treasures, Alarme! stands as proof that even small Alpine nations could sound the alarm with grand, synthesizer-fueled epics—earnest, occasionally over-the-top, but thoroughly entertaining and a fine example of prog's resilient spirit as the 80s loomed. Crank up "Go!" and let the Swiss duo's vision transport you; it's alarmingly good.