LE QUATRIEME MOUVEMENT

I had seen this bands name mentioned on a couple of Zeuhl threads so I was surprised to see them listed here under Jazz / Fusion. Well after spending some time with this album lets just say it's jazzy Zeuhl. Actually on the back of the cd it says "...one of the best French Jazz-rock Lp's in recent memory. The approach harkens back to the golden days of ZAO, MAGMA, GONG... A tight rhythm section serves as the backdrop over which guitar, keyboards and female voice dance, counterpointing each other with delicate intertwining. Cerebral, melodic sections alternate with high energy jams effectively. Definite French Fusion..."(Eurock Music Magazine-November 1980). And I would say that the two females who sing the vocal melodies bring to mind the Zeuhl genre too, although they are very much reserved in their singing and not out front like on ESKATON or MAGMA. Still that bass and electric piano has Zeuhl all over it.

"Le Roy Est Mort, Vive Le Roy" opens with vocal melodies and liquid sounding keys. The drums join in as things start to accellerate 2 minutes in. I really like the sound after 4 minutes. The mood changes after 6 minutes as it becomes pastoral. Sax comes in late. "Le Quatrieme Mouvement" features high pitched vocal melodies that come and go. The tempo changes a lot. We get some sax and then percussion 2 minutes in before the bass player shows us what he's got. And he's got plenty. Keyboard melodies join in the fun. "Interlude" is a short percussion filled piece. "Funk Au Chateau" is a light jazzy tune with a fantastic display of sax playing. Late in the song we get a beat as vocal melodies come in to end the song.

"Theme D'Hiver" might be my favourite on this album. This one is more reserved with cello, bass and light drums. The sound builds 2 minutes in briefly as it becomes brighter with more energy. "Ballade Courte" begins with vocal melodies and we get a melody a minute in with some great sax as well as a good beat. More sax 3 minutes in as the song starts and stops. Bass, liquid keys and percussion follow. The guitar takes over for 1 1/2 minutes before the vocal melodies return. "Danse Du Paques" has more vocal melodies, sax, keys, drums and bass. The mood and tempo changes. There is a light jazzy passage as well as some good intricate guitar melodies.

If you like both Zeuhl and Jazz then this is a must. Check out the very well done biography penned by Avestin to learn more. I must say for my tastes this is a 4.5 star record and it's certainly an excellent addition to anyone's Jazz / Zeuhl collection. A classic from 1980.