VOLUME I - MASQ

Remained well hidden in the shadows of the past,CATHARSIS were a French band formed in 1969 and led by the major figure of organist/pianist Roland Boquet.They started as a sextet to record their debut ''Volume I-Masq'' in 1971 on the French record label Savanah.

The album contains four rather long cuts for an early-70's rock band,however it clocks just under 30 minutes.The musicianship in here is quite innovative and dark with lots of psychedelic echoes,even some Eastern influences, but also a very dated sound.It is Boquet's obscure Frafisa organ work,which leads the music surrounded by the mournful vocals of Charlotte and the weird vocal lines of the other members.Charles Eddie seems to be another major figure of the band,as his percussion work dominates the release,sometimes doubled by Boquet's organ,while others acoustic guitars try to capture his slow-tempo playing.Unfortunately the album lacks a bit in changing moods and tempos,which might be found a little boring for the mass of listeners,though you'll find familiar elements from early KING CRIMSON,PINK FLOYD with some hints of JACULA thrown in this effort.Be warned,that this is not everybody's taste, and definitely not mine.''Volume I-Masq'' turns to be an album for followers of slow Psychedelic Rock music with a dark and haunting atmosphere...sorry,I'm not one of them...