MEXICO

Sliding through the doors to Saloon Zeuhl by way of Magma's first album, I was trying to find my bearings and delve deeper into the pleasure of said genre. Thus I came across this album, supposedly being just that. Zeuhl, that is. I wasn't disappointed by the songs, though slightly confused. I would not say that this album is zeuhl in any great sense of the word. Rather it is a concoction of jazz, rock and just a hint of zeuhl. It is barely traceable but it simmers somewhere beneath the surface.

The vocals. Ah, yes. The vocals. Many a reviewer speaks of this harsh, roaring and belching vocals. Roger Chapman of France? Well, okay. It's fair enough. The vocalist do have a certain resemblance to Chapman. It is wild singing. Crazy, if you ask me, but I like it. It isactually very competent and I have had no quarrel what so ever.

From start to finish this is an album of emotional and charged jazz-rock. It has everything from all out bashing to really sensitive and beautiful songs. It is quite balanced, actually. Mostly sung in english it also holds similiarities to british jazz-rock of the period. Just listen to "Albion impressions", a song of outstanding beauty. Maybe that is logical seeing that Albion is an ancient word for Britain. Anyway, great stuff. The longest track, "I know your mother", is also one of the best. It keeps on going without losing focus nor nerve. Brilliant!

I hold this album very dear and I return every now and then. If you are anything like me, into jazz-rock of the early 1970's, this is a must for you. It is a gem to discover and something to marvel at. To me it is an easy four stars.