Many of you may say… who is this Franck Carducci? Allow me to educate you a little. Carducci is a French multi-instrumentalist who was brought up in a family with music at its heart. He joined his first rock band at 14 and was a fan of progressive rock (Pink Floyd, Genesis, etc.) as well as the pop tunes of, The Beatles, Billy Joel, and Elton John, from a early age. During his 20’s, and 30’s he played in various bands, mostly playing covers, honing his craft, as well as spending time in a number of recording studios. In 2008 he moved to Amsterdam to continue his musical journey in the clubs and bars of the city. His life changed in 2010 when he met one of his musical heroes, Steve Hackett. The ex-Genesis guitarist told Franck “Your songs are good, you should record an album”, and despite Franck’s reservations, his idol said, “Well just do it for yourself, that way you can’t be disappointed, if it works you’re happy, if it doesn’t you’re still happy because you did it anyway!”. He did it, and three studio albums (plus 2023’s stripped back collaboration with Mary Reynaud, Naked), two live albums, and many shows (backed by “The Fantastic Squad”) later, he finds himself signed to Esoteric Antenna/Cherry Red Records for his fourth album… Sheeple.

Although Sheeple isn’t a full blown concept album, you could be forgiven for thinking it was due to the way the whole album is constructed. Think, “Us Versus Them”, rather than, “Us And Them”. Opening with an introduction of bleating sheep (or are they Sheeple?) a motif which also closes the album during the hypnotically repetitive ‘Do What You’re Told’. The pace quickly rises, as the Hammond of Anthony Honnet (one of many guests) rips into ‘Self-Righteousness’, asking the question, “Who do you think you are?”. This is a high octane track which will be lethal in the hands of the flamboyant, The Fantastic Squad once they get it out on the road. Adding to the conceptual feel, the first taste of the reoccurring ‘Sweet Cassandra’ theme, caresses the listeners ears. Strummed acoustic guitar and gentle bass, join Franck, and Mary Reynaud’s harmonised vocals, along with the heartfelt harmonica of Carducci’s Uncle and Godfather, Gilles who was the first to introduce the 4 year old Franck to music all those years ago. The ‘Sweet Cassandra’ theme crops up again later in the flute (Roy Van Oost) laden, vocal free ‘Sweet Cassandra (reprise)’ as well as towards the end of the album in its original form, ‘Sweet Cassandra (2019)’ complete with Cardicci’s flying electric soloing. For ‘The Betrayal Of Blue’, and lead track, and the story of “The Dolphin, The Billionaire, and The Rock And Roller in Mother Nature’s Kingdom”, ‘The Limits Of Freedom’, Carducci is joined by his fellow “The Flying Squad” colleagues who beef up the sound, and although he remains front and centre with his blazing guitar work and uniquely accented vocal, the twists and turns which Reynaud (vocals), Lea Fernandez (drums), Barth Sky (electric guitar), and Cedric Selzer (keyboard) add to the mix are immeasurable, with these two particular tracks standing loud, and proud amongst a near faultless collection. Elsewhere, ‘Love Or Survive’ offers the thought provoking choice of standing strong together rather than bending to the will of the new Gods, on a backdrop of arena roof raising guitar work. When asked, what is the secret to writing good music? Carducci states, “A good riff, an interesting theme, and a catchy melody”. Vous avec trouvé la solution! (You’ve cracked it!).

In spite of his music being far from what you would consider conventional progressive rock, Carducci and The Fantastic Squad have certainly been welcomed into the prog rock community, and Sheeple Is only likely to reinforce that bond. Available on CD, vinyl, download, and to stream at your preferred provider, Sheeple will be launched via a gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on 8^th April, and album listening party/meet and greet at The Harrison Pub in Kings Cross, London on 9^th, ahead of the official release on the 10^th. Sheeple joins the very impressive, Oddity (2011), Torn Apart (2015), and The Answer (2019) adding to a consistently improving catalogue with his most ambitiously adventurous release to date. Franck Carducci… One part 70’s glam… one part 80’s prog… one part greatest showman… now one part shepherd. Never following the norm. Join his flock today Sheeple.

• Reviewed By Peter Brockwell.
• Sheeple is released via Escoteric Antenna/Cherry Red Records on 10^th April 2026.
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Track List:

1. Sheeple
2. Self-Righteousness
3. Sweet Cassandra
4. The Betrayal Of Blue
5. Sweet Cassandra (reprise)
6. The Limits Of Freedom
7. Love Or Survive
8. Sweet Cassandra (2019)
9. Do What You’re Told