TEMPUS FUGIT

With "Tempus Fugit" we get a fine example of late seventies' symphonic rock in France. Released as late as in 1977 the album didn't stand a chance of making it to a larger audience in a time in which punk rock started its devastating heyday. The music offered on the album was far to fine- drawn for the period in which it was released.

Most compositions on the album are constructed around the beautifully conceived 12 string acoustic guitar chord progressions, composed and played by Robert Durantet. Important in most of the Metabolisme compositions is the combination acoustic/electric guitar and melodically strong bass parts provided by Jackie Poillot. Most of the keyboard parts are mainly served as a spatial colouring of the songs. The sounds derived from the present Mini-Moog aren't spectacular. The organ sound is as so often with French groups of this periods very "chorused" and misses the aggressiveness of the Anglo-Saxon Hammond B3 sound. When Thierry Scaduto delivers his otherwise excellent solos, they have a more jazzy sound. The overall sound of the album can be compared a bit to the earlier Genesis albums, although I have to add that Metabolisme certainly have an attractive and original approach of symphonic rock.

Main attraction on the album is the more than 15 minutes lasting "Apôtres et Martyrs" a very beautiful and melodic composition in which all trump chards are laid on the table. The well played and well conceived 12 string guitar parts are a lust for the ear. The song moves through all sorts of tempo and character changes, all excellently executed by the rhythm section, consisting of drummer Carmine Versace and the already mentioned bass player Jackie Poillot.

The remaining songs on the album are all in the same vein as "Apôtres et Martyrs", although they are not all on the same level. "La Danse Des Automates" which is a bit more experimental and has a tad bit of flute added, is without any doubt one of the strongest other compositions. All songs on the album have a sombre, but all the same beautiful undertone, resulting in a very homogeneous produced album. The vocals and in particular the harmony vocals strongly contribute to the dark and somewhat brooding atmosphere on the album. Not all songs are sung equally strong, but in most parts the lead vocals, provided by guitar player Robert Durantet are well up to the job.

With "Tempus Fugit" Metabolisme have created a great album that can be considered a small monument of French progressive rock music of the seventies. Time flies when you are listening to this album, but then it lasts only thirty seven and a half minute. Sadly "Tempus Fugit" has remained the only album released by Metabolisme. For lovers of late seventies' French prog this album is an absolute must and the four stars are all well deserved !

Erik de Beer.