MUSIQUE POST ATOMIQUE

These two songs actually did appear on 'remastered/expanded' Ardeur as bonus tracks. Still, I have something to say about exactly this, first official Eskaton's release. Let's start with the cover...

What. Is. This? Some kind of French joke that I don't know about? An Avant-Garde statement? An attempt to confuse future generation, say like "look at me, I'm either "industrial" or "acid house"" and further reaction like either "what a crap" or "WOW! It's Zeuhl!"? Seriously, I do not understand and do not appreciate band's use of the radiation motives in some of the artworks, and particularly, this, ummmm... skull. Maybe the key is the lyrics ("The song of the earth". Who knows?...) I don't care though. Eskaton's music is creative and not destructive one. Now, let's forget it. I didn't see anything, and haven't said anything.

So, two official first Eskaton's songs. The sound is quite close to their future masterpiece, but this single shows that the band still was growing up at the moment, although already existed since early 70's. Both songs are quite different to each other, and each one is good, memorable and enjoyable in its own way.

Le chant de la Terre. Somehow, this managed to be something between 'adventurous' and 'mellow' musical experience. There's nothing exactly outstanding in arrangement's quality and musicianship, it's just well-played, but the composition is definitely good. In fact, style of the composition's structure is very close to 4 Visions' compositions, which is mostly expressed in use of nonrecurring themes. It's a very pleasant listen, despite the highly unexpected and ambiguous final, directly after the part with the beautiful vocal solo.

If ...Something familiar, right? No, I'm not about PF's song (bah, I prefer Eskaton's 'If' to PF's one, FWIW). Actually, if I was reviewing Ardeur now, I'd point out that the If's melody at the first part is very similar to Couvert de gloire from Ardeur. So yeah, this is stylistically rather Ardeur's song. Again, a very good and pleasant composition, with wordless chanting this time and some good nonrecurring parts as well.

3.7/5 for the both songs. I decided that 4 stars would be a bit more reasonable rating to reflect my point of view. If you're not a fan of Zeuhl, imagine 3 stars. Nevertheless, it's an excellent addition to any Zeuhl collection which you can get on Ardeur.

EDIT: Rounded down. I like the songs a lot, but it's just two songs, not a complete album. Three stars, it is.

Their first recording if I am not wrong. This EP is totally sold out, according to the band. But both tracks are included as bonuses on the widely available Ardeur album so do not panic.

Both tracks here is pretty much like Magma type of Zeuhl. A formula Eskaton partly used on their style setting 4 Visions album before they went their own way and created their own universe.

What does this mean ? The two tracks here are jazz based with disharmonic female vocals and hammond organs. The rhythms are a bit repetetive and stakkato. This is very typical Zeuhl and can be compared to the first Magma album.

The quality is pretty good. I quite like this EP although the quality is merely good. But given that both tracks are available as bonuses on Ardeur, forking out a fortune on Ebay for this EP is a waste of money. It is a collector's item and only that. Therefore; two stars would suffice.

2 stars

The ten minute debut of Eskaton is very similar in style to the earliest Magma albums. Scatty vocals in French. My French is dreadful, so I've got no idea what they're on about other than the first track being called The Chant of the Earth.

That first track is built around a toe-tapping rhythm that sticks to the same pace throughout, with the vocal scatting and jazzy synth/fender adding depth. The only change comes with a minute to go as the drum rhythm changes and the guitar and bass kick in and synthesised electronic sounds create a UF effect. Sadly it only lasts to close off the track which is a shame as you feel like its about to go somewhere.

IF then opens with atmospheric wind noises, but from there although its a different rhythm its more of the same, scatty nasal sounding vocals, jazzy organ and fender jamming.

Not much to write home about really, but its certainly not poor.