Hailing from Nice, France, Shylock formed in 1974, combining the talents of keyboardist Didier Lustig, drummer André Fisichella and guitarist Frédéric L'Épée. The band then retreated to a church in the Maralpin town of St-Dalmas-le-Selvage to write and rehearse. Early compositions were named sequentially, and later evidenced by the titles on their debut album, Gialorgues (named after a valley in St. Dalmas). The band self-released the instrumental album in 1976, printing a reputed 1000 copies; however, CBS subsequently signed the band and re-released the album in early 1977.

Coming from Lyon, France, Pulsar was formed in the early 70s by keyboardist Jacques Roman, guitarist and vocalist Gilbert Gandil, bassist Philippe Roman, drummer Victor Bosch and fl autist Roland Richard. Th ey have the distinction of being the fi rst foreign band signed by Caravan manager Terry King to his Kingdom label. Pollen was released by Decca Records in 1975 (UK release was 1976).