NEGATIVE ZONE

"Negative Zone" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by French progressive rock act Negative Zone. The album was released in 2005 through Musea Records. Featuring members of Eclat and Mirage, these guys are reasonably seasoned and everything is performed with great skill and conviction.

Stylistically the material on the album is strongly influenced by late 60s/early 70s Pink Floyd. I generally don´t like using the word clone, but it´s obvious that Negative Zone kneel at the alter of the "Atom Heart Mother". It´s however not the first impression you get when the opening carnival introduction track "Ouverture" plays, but when "Cats" starts you´re transported right back to the sound of Pink Floyd´s debut full-length studio album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" (1967). However the remaining tracks on the album have more in common with the next couple of Pink Floyd albums (up until about 1973). Mellow, laid-back, psychedelic space rock/progressive rock which is slow building and atmospheric. The vocals are well performed, sedated, and often features harmonies.

Pink Floyd isn´t the only influence as heard on "Who We Are", Negative Zone have also been listening to King Crimson and their more heavy avant garde approach to playing progressive rock. While borrowing from two progressive rock legends doesn´t make the music featured on this album any more unique sounding, at least it means that there´s some diversity to be found.

Negative Zone features a well sounding production, which suits the material well. Little details could have been better, but it´s exactly that...details. Overall "Negative Zone" is a decent quality debut album, and if you can see past the "in your face" influences, it´s probably an even greater album. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.