MUSIQUE POUR L'ODYSSÉE

4.5 stars. I've been trying to decide which of the first two ART ZOYD records I like best, and it really is a toss up for me. Too close to call right now. Both have their different strong points, and both are must haves as far as i'm concerned. It's really cool as well that UNIVERS ZERO members Daniel Denis and Michel Berckmans play on here. Interesting as well that they would release "Heresie" the same year this record by ART ZOYD was released.

"Musique Pour L'Odyssee" is the side long opening track. Lots of tension to open as it begins with heavy bass and violin then another violinist joins in. The tension subsides after 2 minutes as horns and other sounds come and go. Lots of intricate sounds 3 1/2 minutes in, especially horns. A calm a minute later. Vocal chants with sax blasts after 7 minutes. Another calm 8 1/2 minutes in. More horns with chanting with deep bass lines and violin 10 minutes in. These guys are amazing. Yes it calms down again, this time 12 minutes in as we get lots of atmosphere. The intensity starts to build with violin and horns. Another dark calm 14 minutes in and then it's building again. Chants after 16 1/2 minutes to the end. Incredible ! Such a dark and intense track.

"Bruit,Silence-Bruit, Repos" is a brighter track for the first two minutes and then the song stops as violin comes in slowly, although the tempo picks up. Lots of violin after 4 minutes as we get some fat bass and horns. Aboe from Michel Berckmans before 6 minutes. Certainly after the first 2 minutes this song becomes dark and at times atmospheric. A frantic outbreak after 8 minutes. More fantastic bass and violin 9 1/2 minutes in. "Trio Lettri D'automine" really has it's focus on the violins as they almost echo at times, they really dominate this dark and intense track.

I really like the cover art for this one as well. Dark, intense and stormy just like the music.