STRAVE

Thanks Gabriel (look one page upwards, it's Tsevir) for telling me about this album. Because after few months of occasional listening of "Strave", I still don't know what to write about it. That is, however, not bad thing at all (instead of some who would feel confused), I take it calmly. For certain artists, it's understandable. Not just this, it's completely natural, it's part of their music.

However, I'm enjoying it. So you can read "inside" review of Gabe's, as he is fan of this genre. I am still on the edge of Zeuhl, listening just few albums from this tiny genre (however so mysterious that it is enough for ten times more albums from any other genre) that I can be called wannabe Zeuhl fan. Still in beginning.

And this is very important, perspective, experience (how many other albums you've heard, with which you can compare) and your relationship. I see transcendental elements in Z-et music. So I think that this is not too much sounding as Magma (obvious comparsion) is, it's rather more Jazzy album. And I mean typical Miles Davis Prog Jazz, his best era from late 60s. Not too much chant singing, if so, it's rather subtle and only sparsely used. Trumpets and xylophone-like instrument are dominating (one with force, other one in disguise) and helps to set mood closer to Jazz, some kind of brass band. However, it's still Zeuhl because of certain feeling that's there. And so, drumming is important (as in Magma, leader is drummer, so unusual in other genres), plays vital part in how you perceive the music. Your liking will also probably depend on how much you can follow delicate drumming. Rare thing in Zeuhl is use of violin (prominently in Utopia.

So I think that 4(-) is good rating from a little bit confused listener. As with similar music, you have to be in such mood to listen this, but when you are (and I'm now), you will enjoy it.