MAGMA [AKA: KOBAÏA]

Introduced to the band through the review section of ProgArchives, I started listening to Magma's music. I was a bit reluctant at first, seing many reviewers warning of difficult to get into. But actually it was an immediate likeble band for me. With strong rhytmic music, and hypnotising repetetive frases. The language used is complete nonesense, but the lack of textual meaning, makes the experience more focussed on the harmonies and textures, which are great and brilliantly complex.

To explain how the music sounds is a bit difficult for me, for I have not much experience with this kind of music (yet). But to me the music sounds like a cross between Yes (CTTE), Jethro Tull (TAAB), Gong (Radio Gnome), a jazzy symphonic touch, with operatic and classic influences (Orff's Carmina Burana most notably), with the focal point on the rhythm section, and the melodies gradually building to a crescendo. The melodies change franticly, which for some may have an estranging effect, but I like it.

I think Kobaia is one of the best debut albums from any band I know. And I whole- heartedly recommend this album to anyone. I think this album is probably the most accesible album of Magma, and it provides a good introduction to the style and sounds of an amazing band. Find out for yourself.