KASHMIR

4th track, called 'Linear', is a little suíte. It can be perfectly divided into three or two parts. Begins with a grandiose atmosphere, on the synths and french vocals, both on perfect tones and pace. A group of metals increases the ambience and the dramatic impact. Cymbals catch along, among with an hypnotizing rythmic synth, which also grows up in eloquence. When the guitar appears, it can be considered a change to the second movement, or another part of the suíte: it's a very dense and splendid exploration of the harmonic possibilities of the central theme. It culminates with an outstanding and complex gathering of different phrasings on synthesizers, which can be considered the last part of the suite. 100/100.

'Go!', the longest and last track, is great. Synths and drums are very organic. Chords and vocals soon enter at the same time, brilliantly, dialoguing very consistently. This is a rich composition and execution. Chorus makes a magnificent background for the instruments. There is more use of the piano, something that could've been made more on the rest of the album. On the second half of the song, there's a strong and firm rythmyc harmony, which also accelerates the composition. 43/50.

'6H30', 7th track, is a quite confusing composition on its first half, but this is partially compensated by a nice execution. As it occurs on practically all the non-instrumental tracks, vocal harmonies are excellent. Second half of this song has a superb combination and fitting of all instruments. 38/50.

1st track, 'Desert Bleu', is instrumental and starts with an insipid march, on drums and synths. On its half there's a marvelous combination of rythmic ideas, drum and synth solos, along with the chorus. But unfortunately it lasts for a short time, and goes back to that beginning pace. Then they make another brief incursion on those fine ideas mentioned above, before finishing the song. 36/50.

3rd track, which gives its title to the album, has a good rythym, nice interplay between the synths and drums, and an efficient drum programming; this last feature is quite simple, but is compensated by really well-worked harmonies between synth and drum solos, along with the chorus. Specially on the last third of the song. However, the timbres and tones weren't chosen nicely. 36/50.

'Slowly', 6th track, is entirely instrumental. Like suggested, notes are a bit drawn out, long. There is some lyricism both in this effect, and on the chosen timbres. It's a good composition, that changes the ideas presented on the other tracks, and brings a lighter and more relaxed atmosphere as well. 33/50.

2nd track, 'Je suis', is a very simple composition, and a good idea. Only vocals, with whispering snippets. Sometimes on the back, but other times along with the vocals, you can hear a pleasent ambience with the synths. Could be a fine track, but lacks variation on the rythyms and arrangements. 22/50.

'Far away', 5th track, is an attempt to improve more dramaticity on the lyrics. In fact, vocal arrangements are good, but it looks they were quite lazy to create good harmonies with the synths; because it's only following the vocals. That on the end become repetitive and boring. 18/50.

I give this album a final note of 3.5 on a 5-star scale.

Pitty that the production of the album is rather questionable, because ''Alarme!'' is a very good Electronic Rock album with strong influences by TANGERINE DREAM and JEAN MICHEL JARRE.Quite a bit of cosmic electronics, soaring synthesizers and pounding drums dominate most of the tracks, which contain also a fair amount of symphonic breaks, creating a grandiose and beautiful atmosphere.''Go!'' is propably the best example of Kashmir's style, a long and sonic Progressive Electronic piece of music with outlandish synths, nice choirs, Classical influences around the middle and heavy percussions, excellent work indeed.But there are also hints from more Classic Prog stylings in ''Alarme!''.The long ''Linear'' is characterized by some spacey synthesizers, psychedelic vocals, light organs and and good guitar solos, reminding a lot of PULSAR.''Far Away'' has a nice mellotron-flute and Avant-Garde piano lines, offering a sinister and unique atmosphere.''6 H 30'' contains excellent vocals and some very nervous synthesizers along with soft drumming to recall again PULSAR's sound.

One the most underrated gems of Progressive Electronic Music.Atmospheric, cinematic, highly symphonic and emotional music all the way.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.