Dateline: March 2006

Source: ProgressiveWorld.net

http://www.progressiveworld.net/synthe.html

Review: The Syn - Syndestructible

Reviewed by: Joshua Turner

The Syn - Syndestructible
Released: 2005
Label: Umbrello Records
Cat. No.: UMBRCD004
Total Time: 52:36


Like a Phoenix rising, The Syn comes out of nowhere and competes at full strength. For hockey fans, this might be debatable, but for progressive rock fans and even those of pro wrestling, this is a matter that's stone cold serious. As if they found the fountain of youth, their reincarnation makes Rip Van Winkle look like a weary old man. While their odometer shows mileage, they play with vehemence and vigor. Yes might have all the accolades, but this obscure band comes alive from the ashes.

I was unaware of their connections, let alone their existence, until I saw them live. In other words, they were literally in my backyard before I was ever exposed to their music. When I learned that Squire was reforming an old band, I immediately queried their tour schedule. It was at this time I found they were playing at a not-too-distant venue in the not-too-distant future. On a whim, I hit the road and at the spur-of-the-moment was in their presence front and center. Then, when I finally got around to spinning their disc, I was enlightened further. They were loud and clear on stage, but in the studio, they were every bit as good or better.

Read the full article

Dateline: 2006/04/02

Source: Metal-Temple.com

http://metal-temple.com/review.asp?id=1446

Review: The Syn | Syndestructible

Reviewed by Georgia

UmbrelloRecords.com

1. Breaking Down Walls
2. Some Time, Some Way
3. Reach Outro
4. Cathedral Of Love
5. City Of Dreams
6. Golden Age
7. The Promise

Jeremy Stacey - Drums
Gerard Johnson - Keyboards & Vocals
Paul Stacey - Guitars 7 Vocals
Steve Nardelli - Vocals
Chris Squire - Bass & Vocals

40 years of silence... and the masterpiece is here. Without excess "Syndestructible", released by Umbrello Records, must be one of the most important releases in the latest years... at least to my ears. Cure for the soul.

Read the full article

Dateline: 28th February 2006

Source: Guitar Center Music Foundation

http://www.guitarcentermusicfoundation.org/news/index.cfm?sec=news&newsID=4

The Guitar Center Music Foundation to host "An evening with Ray Kennedy and Friends" Featuring Macy Gray, James Denton, Hugh Laurie and many others.

Tickets on Sale Now Through the Guitar Center Music Foundation, the Avalon Hollywood and Groovetickets.com

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, February 28, 2006—The Guitar Center Music Foundation is proud to announce that it will host its first charity concert and silent auction on Tuesday, March 14, at Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Hollywood Blvd. “An Evening with Ray Kennedy and Friends” will feature performances by Macy Gray, The Dave Mason Band, The Syn, California Transit Authority, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Gia Ciambotti and celebrity band 16:9. 

Read the full article

Dateline: 15th February, 2006

Source: Santa Cruz (California) Metro Active

http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/02.15.06/syn-0607.html

Chris Squire Just Says Yes to Syn

The Yes co-founder and king of all Rickenbackers explains the Syn's
roundabout reunion

By Bill Forman

Not many bands can claim to have released their best album 40 years after their formation. The Rolling Stones certainly can't, and neither can ... um ... OK, so maybe only a handful of bands actually put out a new album four decades on. So when Chris Squire is complimented on the new album from his pre-Yes outfit, the Syn, he's still fairly amazed.

"Yeah, I think we came up with a very good album here, surprisingly enough," says Squire. "And I do say surprisingly, because when we finished making the album, we all listened to it and said, 'Wow, this is a really good album.' That's why I'm working on promoting it while Yes is taking a bit of a laid-back period--it's really been very fulfilling for me." Read the full article

Dateline: 28th January, 2006

Source: Music Street Journal 

http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/synconcert.htm

Syn - Live in Milwaukee, January 2006

By Josh Turner

When I got to the venue, I was surprised to see Alan White on the marquee. As my friend Adam said when I called him after the show, it would be great to see Chris Squire, but an event with both of them is something special. For the record, Adam is a drummer himself, so I can understand his envy. When I walked inside, I was instantly stunned. I've never seen Shank Hall so packed. It was standing room only. For the earlier set, I was able to find a place in the back, but after all my trouble; I decided I had to get closer to the stage. I came across a fellow named Mark who had an open seat upfront and he was kind enough to let me sit next to him. It turns out he flew from Florida to see this show. He justified this trip, because it was his favorite group and they had a very limited tour (13 stops to be exact). In the brief moments before the concert started, Mark described the band as a cross between The Who, Pink Floyd, and Yes. With this, my interest was greatly piqued. If they were even a fraction of those bands, I'd be an extremely happy camper...   Read the full article

Dateline: January 2006

Source: The Cleveland Free Times 

http://www.freetimes.com/ (abbreviated link text)

Soundcheck: Chris Squire: Syn bassist

Jeff Niesel

FIRST FORMED IN 1967, the Syn opened for Jimi Hendrix when he made his UK debut. The band only existed for a short time before splitting, as bassist Chris Squire went on to form Yes. Generally regarded as one of prog rock’s finest rhythm men, Squire reunited with original Syn singer Stephen Nardelli last year to issue Syndestructible, an album that recalls the prog rock of the ’60s with its esoteric lyrics and lengthy, slightly psychedelic songs. Squire spoke about the band and its upcoming tour via phone from his hotel room in New York, where the group had just started its North American tour with Yes drummer Alan White filling in for Jeremy Stacey, who plays on the album. —Jeff Niesel

What do you remember of opening for Hendrix’s first UK show?

It was a pretty confusing evening. Crazy, the whole thing. We didn’t think we would be the opening act for a band that could play. We’d seen them rehearse, and they didn’t sound too good. It turned out great, because of course they could play... Read the full article

Dateline: January 2006

Source: Lords Of Metal metal E-zine

http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1199&lang=en

Interview: The Syn - Issue 55

By Winston

Toward the end of this year the number one position of my yearlist was overtaken by 'Syndestructible', the new album of the reformatted band The Syn. This band meant a lot for the evolution of progressive music back in the sixties. Bassist Chris Squire ultimately founded Yes with Jon Anderson after The Syn and it is known how that went. We chat up with singer Steve Nardelli and we start in 1965…just kidding. It ís 2005 (when the interview was held) and when I speak to him on the telephone The Syn just did their first show at the new Marquee club in London.

So Steve, how was that for you, stepping on stage for the first time in forty years?

Well, I wasn't really that nervous, I just felt very strange. It was putting me back to the sixties when we played at the original Marquee club... Read the full article