NICOLAS II

A rough hidden gem of zeuhl. Potemkine plied a fusion infused take on the genre that on paper looks particularly wonderful. I went into this album with high expectations, hoping for a smashing take on zeuhl-fusion ruminating on the revolutions in Russia over the course of 1917. What I and every listener got was a decent yet ever catchy zeuhl-fusion rather not in the spirit the title and track names implied. It was a smaller form of the disappointment I got from "Romantic Warrior". The reason it wasn't so much of a let down was that it did grow on me to a degree; the band does play some good music, and it can and does draw a listener in. The opener is especially wonderful, and is what grabs you and keeps you listening through all the album's ups and downs. This is rather unique and enjoyable stuff, it just doesn't live up to potential. A lesser favourite of mine, results may vary but this is worth a try.