MESSE EN RÉ MINEUR

In mid-70's Wapassou were discovered by Jean-Claude Pognant and his Crypto label, which signed the band for the next three albums.The second album of the trio was recorded at the Azurville Studio in July 1976, no bass help by Jean Pierre Schall this time, instead they had recruited a female singer named Eurydice and engineer Fernand Landmann, who played some acoustic parts in the first album, is listed among the members.The album was titled ''Messe en re mineur'' and released the same year.

This was actually a 40-min. suite, broken in two parts due to the limitations of a vinyl press, presenting a mix of Chamber and Psychedelic Rock sounds with Classical references, a bit similar to the mystic deliveries of Italians SAINT JUST and the already mentioned cross-references with CATHARSIS' haunting sounds.But unlike other bands the sound here is exclusively driven by the keyboards/piano, guitar and violin with no additional equipment.The result is a bizarre, atmospheric journey with Classical and Folk touches and a pretty experimental attitude, based on the calm chord progressions of the guitar and the odd soundscapes, produced by the keyboard and violin isolations.Very unique music with a progressive/experimental spirit, which overcomes the lack of a richer sound with the display of ethereal melodies, symphonic soundscapes and psychedelic textures with Eurydice adding an extra dimension with her angelic, wordless choirs.The music is pretty mellow with totally acoustic passages and rare electric explosions, basically structured around Freddy Brua's old-styled organ and the eccentric combination of choirs and violin drives.I could say that there are even some Gothic- and Medieval-like colors throughout the listening, which comes as genuine and deeply personal as a whole.

Even if this is not your cup of tea, ''Messe en re mineur'' deserves your attention for being an album of its own taste at the very end.Classical/Folk/Avant Music with a mystical mood.Recommended.