ATTAHK

Magma's 'Attahk' is by no means a perfect album, but it does have its moments. Still very much a Zeuhl album with intricate bass-drums interplay, choirs and classical influences, it does enter a world of slightly more worldly jazz influenced (funk)rock music. The opening track 'The Last Seven Minutes' is classic Magma, but there are also some gospel influences on songs like 'Spiritual' and 'Rind-ë' (which was re-used on E'ré album of 2009). Side two has the stronger compositions with hypnotizing hooks and spiritual vibes throughout. This albums isn't actually that much diminished by its different artistic approach; it is the production that does the harm here. The mixing and mastering sound is harsh and unpleasant (heavy mid frequenties) and most of these songs could have turned out way better had they been lest hastily arranged and recorded. The vocals are also a return to the screeching of the MDK-era, which is not my cup of tea.