A must to anyone into ’60s British beat and psychedelia, here’s the complete recordings of pre-Yes band The Syn, featuring Chris Squire and Peter Banks. Including their sought-after mod-psych singles for Deram (“Grounded”, “14 Hour Technicolour Dream”, “Flowerman”) plus a treasure trove of rare ’60s recordings, including a five-minute rehearsal excerpt of stage favorite “The Gangster Opera”, an earlier recording of “Flowerman”, a pre-Deram acetate of the unissued-at-the-time “Merry-Go-Round”, two tracks by pre-Syn band The Selfs, and more. Also including are a couple of 1974 bonus tracks from post-Syn project, Narsquijack. Led by singer Steve Nardelli, The Syn formed in 1966 initially as a mod/Tamla band. They soon embraced psychedelia and flower-power with some legendary theatrical shows during their Marquee Club residency. After a string of singles for the Deram label, the band slowly evolved into legendary prog band Yes. Hard cardboard sleeve with artwork by Sara Gossett; remastered sound; insert with detailed liner notes by David Wells with an introduction by Phil Collins (a huge fan during their Marquee days), plus rare photos/memorabilia. “This vinyl package concentrates on the original Syn, determined to make their mark as the Tamla/mod scene melted into the balmy, barmy days of flower power.” –David Wells