MAGMA [AKA: KOBAÏA]

This debut record of MAGMA reminds me more of Frank Zappa than it does their own "MDK" album. "MDK" was the first MAGMA record I listen to and "Kobaia" doesn't even sound like it's the same band ! This one is much more Jazz influenced, hence the Zappa vibe as i've been listening a lot to "Waka / Jawaka" and "The Grand Wazoo" lately. Also the female vocal melodies aren't even on this double album, meanwhile they dominated "MDK". If I had to choose between the two i'd definitely take "Kobaia".

Disc one starts off with "Kobaia" and this is such a groovy song baby. This is MAGMA ? A jazzy little number that is my favourite on this first disc. The drums, vocals, flute and sax all shine brightly on this track. There are some dissonant horns as the song then calms down to a whisper with spoken words and no melody. The flute that follows is beautiful. Piano and drums come in as the song starts to rebuild with bass and horns joining in. Some crazy guitar and vocals are back before it ends. "Aina" opens with piano as sax and light drums follow. Vocals after a minute and the song speeds up 3 minutes in. There is lots of flute and horns in this one. "Malaria" features piano, vocals, drums and guitar, and he repeats the same line over and over until the flute comes in. There is such a great sound here, very catchy. "Sohia" opens with a bass and flute melody. The piano leads to a full sound with some good guitar to follow. Back to the original melody 6 1/2 minutes in. "Sckxyss" is a jazzy song with piano, horns, vocals and flute. I love the drumming the most though. "Aurae" is a different beast as it has lots of atmosphere with piano, percussion, vocals and flute all coming in and out. There are outbreaks of a full sound that come and go. Guitar before 7 minutes and a great uptempo passage to end the song, and the first disc.

Disc two starts off with "Thaud Zaia" and it opens with flute. This has a melancholic mood as vocal melodies, piano and light drums fill out the sound. The drums get heavier and the horns become almost dissonant with vocal melodies still contributing. The tempo and mood continues to shift and change. There is a lonely flute melody 6 1/2 minutes in. "Nau Ektila" is my favourite song on disc two, and it's the longest song on this recording. There is such a beautful pastoral passage early on, and the vocals are reserved. We get some percussion and sax as the sound builds.This is great !Some dissonance 4 minutes in, but then we're back to the warm flute, acoustic guitar and light drums. The vocals are back as are piano and percussion.The ending of marching style drums and flute is a highlight. "Stoah" is different because it's experimental and hard to get into.The vocals are weird and bizarre, the horns are disssonant before we get some nice piano melodies. More odd vocals before flute and piano 6 minutes in.The song speeds up with vocals late. "Muh" has some great scorching guitar melodies 3 1/2 minutes in as the vocals sing away. Lots of sounds join the party even sleigh bells and the sound of people speaking. Some ear piercing sounds to end it.

I feel I have to say that the fact MAGMA sings in a made up language has no impact at all in me enjoying their music. I mean I listen to so much music that is sung in languages I don't understand anyway, so I really could care less. I'm interested in the music and the music is transforming.