MAGMA [AKA: KOBAÏA]

Probably not the best place to start for those wanting to know about the Zeuhl sound. There's nothing really out of the ordinary here other than some bizarre vocals that mean absolutely nothing(Leon Thomas does it better). The lead off track _Kobaia_ is a groovy little number with some nice chanting. Later on in the same track, the piano parts are the substitute for the chanting. Very effective and quite nice. I prefer the live version on LIVE from 1975. Other than that, this is more or less an accessible version of the Keith Tippett Group(a big band jazz rock...but emphasis on jazz). More jazz than rock, this one. If you enjoy Elvin Jones, John Coltrane, Leon Thomas, Yusef Lateef, early-Weather Report(1st album), Ian Carr's Nucleus and some early-Blood, Sweat & Tears...this is one to check out. 3 star rating across the board as it may be too jazzy for prog.rockers and not rock enough for fusion fans.