CYCLE I

Billed as Zeuhl - indeed, it comes out on Soleil Zeuhl, which I guess makes it a canonical part of the movement - the debut album by Setna is actually something I find even more exciting: an intoxicating blend of zeuhl with the sound of the Canterbury scene (especially the likes of Hatfield and the North). This strange crossbreeding of cult progressive rock subgenres is accomplished by Setna drawing most of their inspiration on the zeuhl side of the equation from the first two Magma albums; the jazzy, Miles Davis-inspired fusion sound opens the door to the lighter, airier fusion stylings of Canterbury acts. It's certainly an experiment, but it's vindicated marvelously on this gloriously sunny album.