FICTION

4.5 stars. This does sound a little different than the first two albums. The deep male vocals are more prominant, as are the angular guitar and keys / synths. I don't know, but to me all three albums are excellent and must-haves for Zeuhl fans. Don't just get "Four Visions" get them all. This release even has their final album "Icare" on it that was never released. The final song "Le Cri" from that record is as good a song as they have made.

"FX" opens with a one minute wall of synths and organ sounds before we get a melody. The bass, drums and synths dominate this good uptempo song. Organ joins in later. "Les Deux Trucs" features those deep male vocals that are helped out by those amazing female vocals.The angular guitar is fantastic ! The bass is so fat. No offense. Great catchy tune. "Automute" has a strange intro before vocals, keys, bass and drums take over. More angular guitar on this one.Yes ! The vocals and rhythm section are so impressive. On the original album this was the first track. "Simplicius" opens with synths and drums. Guitar and a full sound arrives before 2 minutes. Female vocal melodies a minute later, and they are ingenius and fantastic. Terrific sound 5 minutes in. "La Danse Des Feux" opens softly before drums and vocal melodies change that. Keys and heavy bass follow with guitar and organ in tow. Great sound. The song ends as it began. "La Mort De Tristan" features waves of synths and slowly played keys. This is dark. Reserved female vocals come in and piano later. Cool song. Something different for this band.

"Le Cinema" is an uptempo song with drums, keys and vocals. The deep male vocals are helped out by the ladies. This is a fun song. Organ comes in later. "Plus Et Moins" is another song with a catchy melody. Kind of jazzy with female vocals. I like the way they change their vocal tones after a minute. The drums, keys and bass are outstanding. "Parenthese" is the final and shortest song on the album. Such a gorgeous song with beautifully played keys on it. Pastoral, with bass helping out. I won't touch on all of the 5 bonus tracks, except for "Le Cri". This is a slower paced tune with synths, keys and drums leading the way instrumentally. Female vocals are restrained. The song does build to a powerful sound before becoming calm again. This contrast continues. Later the vocals become almost frenzied.

This band may not have the body of work that MAGMA has, but they have the quality of work that MAGMA has. Great band !