VISION

Without the choral vocal style, this would probably be seen as a purely jazz album but there is definitely something there to categorise it as Zeuhl. The debut album from 1980, Strave, featured almost an entirely different line-up. Vision employed Art Zoyd guitarist Alain Eckert. Not a group that I particularly enjoy, but here it certainly adds an extra element to Bringolf's style. The best comparison within Zeuhl is with relatively early Magma e.g. 1001 Centigrades, or with Zao.

Like all good Zeuhl, the drumming is excellent, primarily backed up by the brass instruments and scatty vocals. The opening title track slowly rises from mellow to a fast-paced jam by the end and showcases pretty much everything that is good about each individual band member, with Eckert's guitar play a highlight on the 7 minute mark.

The 'plus' suite is mostly a horn-based marching style for the first two tracks, fairly totalitarian sounding (much like Magma), but in the third track is much faster paced and intense, sounding almost like a chase scene in a movie.

The final track, the longest on the album, starts with a 'big band, big finish' brass section before settling into tight jazz with Bringolf's excellent drumming leading the way alongside lyricless vocals. It's a belter

Excellent album for any fans of both jazz and Zeuhl