MAGMA [AKA: KOBAÏA]

Magma's debut is a great work, especially for double album. Musically, they are somewhere on their way to what will be named zeuhl later.

Dark jazz-rock opera with some symphonic orchestration, bombastic drumming, Orffian atmosphere and tribal vibrations. Still far from their essential style of later albums, but I like this album. Possibly because they there are still not so cold, dark and bombastic, as in real zeuhl albums. Plenty of jazzy elements give much more life to their debut's music. More freedom in compositions and sound.

Listener can hear that they are searching of their own way. Album is raw enough, some places are too long, and the whole work doesn't sound as well composed piece of music (ok, it's not easy for 82+ minutes long work). Vander's drumming is recognizable (or let say - has his signature) here yet. Tribal drumming, flutes and some chamber pieces are just a one between many components, but very soon they will build a basis for Magma's music.

I believe this album is not a best illustration for what Magma's zeuhl is, but for many listeners it could be quite accessible introduction to Kobaian world (especially if you like jazz fusion).

My rating - 3,5 , rounded to 4.