Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Magma - Magma [Aka: Kobaļa] CD (album) cover

MAGMA [AKA: KOBAĻA]

Magma

 

Zeuhl

4.01 | 567 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

BrufordFreak
4 stars I've had a lot of trouble over the past ten years trying to comprehend everyone's love and appreciation for this album. I agree: It's impressive--even amazing--for a debut--and even moreso due to its massive length; a double album for your first release?! The jazziness of this album is only equalled by its theatricity. Reminds me of APHRODITE'S CHILD's "666." I wonder if AC had heard this album as they were creating 666 or if they had seen Magma in concert. I was most interested in exploring this album despite my affection for and allegiance to 1972's MDK because of the presence of compositions credited to woodwind player Ted Lasry, keyboard player Franēois Cahen, and producer Laurent Thibault--all of who would go on to contribute significant compositions and collaborations on their own to the Zeuhl and jazz fusion/avant garde/RIO sub-genres. It turns out, unsurprisingly, that each of these compositions presents a feel and style that is not Vanderish--that is, not steeped in the styles and philosophies of Carl Orff and John Coltrane. Perhaps the band was not yet entirely "his" as this was the last time Christian Vander would let this happen. Yes, impressive debut, full of youthful power and creativity, but, in the end, it's a bit of a hodge-podge of so much--too much. The band needed to reign in its style--which it would do in the next two recordings.
BrufordFreak | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this MAGMA review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.