Record Reviews
28 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARCHAIA ~ ARCHAIA
SOLEIL ZEUHL 01 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
The only album from 1977 by this unusual French group, which plays an unbelievable mixture of psychedelics, Avant-Garde rock and Prog. You need to hear this one to believe it! Considered by many as an one of the treasures of the French scene. This new edition adds some live bonus tracks from 1978.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DÜN ~ EROS
SOLEIL ZEUHL 03 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
An amazing piece of music almost lost forever, but happily available again. Dun were a French group playing a wonderful mixture of Prog and jazz, very difficult to describe, so the only parallel that comes to mind is Zappa. Recorded 1981 with some bonus tracks recorded live during 1978-1979.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | POTEMKINE ~ TRITON
SOLEIL ZEUHL 04 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1977 by this fantastic French Prog group, playing material very similar to Soft Machine and Magma, i.e. long jazzy improvisations and complex compositions. This CD also includes 2 tracks from their 1st album `Foetus` from 1975 and 2 tracks from a rare single from 1974.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | POTEMKINE ~ NICOLAS II
SOLEIL ZEUHL 05 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1978 by this French Prog group (see above). This CD also includes 7 tracks from their 1st album `Foetus` from 1975 and therefore these 2 CDs present the entire material recorded by this legendary outfit.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ONE SHOT ~ VENDREDI 13
SOLEIL ZEUHL 06 ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
This incredible group is an off-shot of the French group Magma. This debut album, recorded live in April 2001 presents some of the best Prog/Fusion music recorded in a long while, with incredible freshness, virtuosity and power. Very long and extensive improvisations rarely heard anywhere. Brilliant!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANCOIS THOLLOT ~ CEUX D`EN FACE
SOLEIL ZEUHL 07 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
This instrumental album was created by one man playing all the instruments. Very much in the French Zeuhl tradition with a wink towards Univers Zero (see the title). The music is dark and tormented, propelled by heavy and throbbing basslines, with piano added as melodic background and the guitar improvisations on top. Recommended to all Zeuhl fans.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | OLIVE MESS ~ GRAMERCY
SOLEIL ZEUHL 08 ~ LATVIA ~ Progressive Rock
This album by Latvian ensemble Olive MessFind albums by this artist fails any attempt of categorizing according to genres - absolutely strange and wonderful. The music is probably closer to contemporary classical music then Prog due to the presence of the soprano operatic voice, but some use of electric instruments makes it to cross over to Prog. The music is based on some 16th-17th century literary works - seems appropriate.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANCOIS THOLLOT ~ CONTACT
SOLEIL ZEUHL 09 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Great new album by the French guitarist Francois ThollotFind albums by this artist, this time in trio format with the help of two One ShotFind albums by this artist members. Some of the best RIO / Fusion music recorded lately with blistering guitar work by Thollot and great support from his buddies. This is very different from the first album he released on this label, almost completely in contrast to it in fact.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ESKATON ~ ARDEUR
SOLEIL ZEUHL 10 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1980 by this French band, who were part of the Zeuhl movement (Magma), but have their disctictive sound mainly due to the use of wordless vocals. Very improvised and jazzy in parts. A superb find similar in quality to the other releases on this wonderful small label, which keeps surprising the Prog fans by unearthing such treasures.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMYGDALA ~ AMYGDALA
SOLEIL ZEUHL 11 ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Amygdala are a new Japanese Zeuhl band (a duo in fact) playing some absolutely fascinating music. Using many keyboards and guitars they produce an intensive sound and very impressive melodies, with jazzy rhythms and long improvisations. This is Zeuhl at its best, as everything else released by this wonderful French label and fans of the genre will feast on this!
| | | CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ESKATON ~ FICTION
SOLEIL ZEUHL 13 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
3rd and last album from 1982 by the great French Prog / Zeuhl band EskatonFind albums by this artist, which is probably the closest MagmaFind albums by this artist clone ever, but fortunately managed to avoid many of the Magma shortcommings. The material is never boring or repetitious, always creative and full of surprises. Amara Tahir`s vocal explorations are breathtaking. This edition also includes the material recorded in 1983-85 and planned for their 4th album, which was never eventually released. Another gem by this suberb label!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIENZA ETHNORKESTRA ~ INDIENES D’EUROPE
SOLEIL ZEUHL 14 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007
Pienza EthnorkestraFind albums by this artist are a French trio playing some of the most interesting music I have ever heard. The members of the band include ex-members of MagmaFind albums by this artist and One ShotFind albums by this artist and they play drums, bass and the electric hurdy gurdy – the strangest instrument one might consider as a front for a band. Nevertheless they manage to create a fascinating sound, which although difficult to classify falls comfortably within the wide limits of RIO / Avant-Garde Rock. All three players are obvious virtuosi on their respective instruments, with the hurdy gurdy being of course the most unusual and innovative. The music is based on folk motifs: East European, Gypsy and Middle Eastern all serving as a basis for extensive instrumental improvisations. The hurdy gurdy sounds like a string trio played in unison, a truly amazing effect. Most of the album is up-tempo with the music being quite intense, which demands a lot of attention and careful listening. Absolutely amazing stuff and most warmly recommended to people with “balls” between their ears.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RIALZU ~ U RIGIRU
SOLEIL ZEUHL 16 (Barcode: 3426300096043) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2008
Only album by French band RialzuFind albums by this artist, one of the very few Prog groups active in the 1970s on the French Island of Corsica. Considered an ultra rare collector’s item for many years, here it is for the first time on CD with some bonus material. The members of the band combine elements of Symphonic Prog, MagmaFind albums by this artist influences and Corsican folklore into a very interesting musical blend, creating a Prog gem. Although mostly instrumental, the album also includes some vocal tracks, sung in the Corsican language. The original album included only 3 tracks, two of which are extended compositions 16 and 11 minutes long. This reissue adds two live tracks recorded by the group before the album was recorded and a short video clip taken from a live show – all together a great reissue. The music is very original and quite different from the French mainland efforts at the time, which makes this effort quite unique. Kudos to Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label for unearthing this lost gem and making it accessible to us all. Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SETNA ~ CYCLE I
SOLEIL ZEUHL 17 (Barcode: 3426300096050) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
French sextet SetnaFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Nicolas CandéFind albums by this artist, who also composes all the music, is one of the most interesting new ensembles on the local scene. After a couple of years of buzz and anticipation, their debut album is finally here and it was well worth waiting for. Fronted by a superb female singer Natacha JouëtFind albums by this artist, they deliver some great music here, which combines Prog, Jazz, Ambient and slight Zeuhl influences, creating a magic atmosphere. The music is basically a long suite, divided into parts, but meant to be a continuous piece of music. Two keyboards players (one playing moog and both playing the Fender Rhodes – one of my favorite instruments with a immediately distinguishable tone), soprano saxophonist and a bass player complete the lineup, but they also employ four guest musicians on some of the tracks. The closest musical association would be Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (at their best) with female vocals. This is definitely one of the best debut albums I’ve heard recently and one can only hope they will continue whatever was started here with future surprises. There is something here for every lover of good music so I’m not confining my recommendation to any specific genre, just grab it and enjoy! A great addition to the splendid Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label catalog as well as any decent record collection.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMYGDALA ~ COMPLEX COMBAT
SOLEIL ZEUHL 18 (Barcode: 3426300096036) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2008
2nd album by Japanese group AmygdalaFind albums by this artist, which took the world by surprise with their debut album, a few years back. While they were only a duo on their debut album, here they have expanded the lineup to a trio and even added a guest soloist on some tracks. Formed by keyboards player Yoshiyuki NakajimaFind albums by this artist, who also writes all the music, and guitarist Yoshihiro YamajiFind albums by this artist, they added the French drummer Daniel Jeand`heurFind albums by this artist (One ShotFind albums by this artist) and as guest musician another Japanese keyboards player Kenichi OguchiFind albums by this artist (KensoFind albums by this artist) to create a massive and complex sound. The result is truly remarkable and although a demanding listening experience, full of incredible performances and musical magic. People who loved their debut will of course be delighted by this new effort, and those who so far never heard them should do so ASAP. Stylistically the music covers Jazz-Rock Fusion and Zeuhl, but also a lot of other ground. Rather than try to classify one should listen with an open mind and let the music speak for itself. I doubt if anybody, who seriously likes serious contemporary music, could stay cold to this. A must for Zeuhl fans of course.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ HUR! – HOMMAGE A LA MUSIQUE DE CHRISTIAN VANDER
SOLEIL ZEUHL 19-20 (Barcode: 3700173928220) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
This album celebrates 40 years of activity by French composer / musician / bandleader Christian VanderFind albums by this artist and his legendary band MagmaFind albums by this artist, one of the most influential, innovative and groundbreaking phenomenon of contemporary European music. Vander spearheaded the creation of the Zeuhl subgenre of Progressive Rock, mixing elements of Jazz, Free Improvisation, Rock and contemporary Classical Music, creating a unique musical platform for creativity. His group Magma served as a vehicle for his explorations, creating a mini-universe / subculture, which created a completely new language, both verbally and musically. Over the years, dozens of musicians passed through the ranks of Magma, creating their own ensembles later on, after absorbing the leader´s influence, with the Magma family tree growing up to enormous degree. Countless other bands all over the world, heavily inspired by the music of Vander, expanded the Zeuhl universe to encompass the entire globe. This album is an ambitious project, which brings together 25 ensembles from many countries, each performing a different piece of music written by Vander, all together almost 3 hours of Zeuhl music at its best. The ensembles range from intimate ones to big bands and their interpretation of the music varies in approach and proximity to the source, but altogether this is a musical feast of rare proportions. In many respects this album is "better" than the original, in the sense that the variety and dynamics here is much wider than on the Magma albums, which sometimes tend to be overbearing and tedious with lengthy repetition, none of which can be found here. Released on the tiny, but exquisite French Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label label, which since many years serves as a faithful home base for many Zeuhl bands, this project is a great example of dedication, hard work and ingenuity, especially in these difficult times for music, which deserves all the respect and admiration. Essential listening!
| | | CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEOM ~ ARKANA TEMPORIS
SOLEIL ZEUHL 21 (Barcode: 3700173931527) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
1st album by new French Zeuhl band NeomFind albums by this artist, heavily influenced by Magma, but with a unique voice and approach. The band consists of Carole Duchene SauvageFind albums by this artist on electric piano, Yannick Duchene SauvageFind albums by this artist on vocals, guitar and drums, who also composed all the music, and William PawelzikFind albums by this artist on bass. The music is a suite in five parts, each lasting between 12 and 15 minutes (only one being relatively short), very Jazzy and full of extended improvisations over a hypnotic repetitious background, typical of Zeuhl music. The instrumental abilities of the players are beyond reproach and the lead guitar parts are truly magnificent. The vocal chant is used mostly as part of the overall sound rather than fronting the music. This is a most impressive debut effort, which will delight all Zeuhl fans. Canterbury fans will also find this equally exciting, as in many parts this music is an extension of that subgenre as well. Definitely worth investigating and hopefully only a first step in a long career.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHUB NIGGURATH ~ INTRODUCTION
SOLEIL ZEUHL 22 (Barcode: 8713657090790) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2009
1st album by legendary French Zeuhl band Shub NiggurathFind albums by this artist, originally only available on cassette and never previously released on CD. This reissue closes a great gap in the history of Zeuhl recordings, as this magnificent piece of music is every bit as good as the band´s second album "Les Morts Vont ViteFind albums with this title", which although issued on CD, has been out of print for ages. The MagmaFind albums by this artist influenced sextet took the Zeuhl influences further than any other ensemble into the dark planes of contemporary music, even beyond Universe ZeroFind albums by this artist. The band was a sextet comprised of guitarist Frank William FromyFind albums by this artist, pianist Jean-Luc HerveFind albums by this artist, trombonist Veronique VerdierFind albums by this artist, bassist Alain BallaudFind albums by this artist, drummer Franck CoulaudFind albums by this artist and singer Ann StewartFind albums by this artist. The music is quite impossible to describe, which leaves only the one sensible thing to do – just listen. It is simply enchanting, hypnotic, broody and dark, with heavy bass sound emphasized by the use of the bass trombone, always surprising and altogether magnificent. An absolute must to any Zeuhl fan and worthy listening by any open-minded serious music lover. Essential listening experience!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ESKATON ~ 4 VISIONS
SOLEIL ZEUHL 23 (Barcode: 2090503360884) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2010
1st album of the fantastic French Zeuhl band EskatonFind albums by this artist, which finally gets the long overdue reissue treatment (remastered by the Israeli sound wizard Udi KoomranFind albums by this artist) with the addition of some great bonus tracks. This is another great release by the tiny, but consistently superb Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label label. Eskaton continues and expands the music of MagmaFind albums by this artist, the precursor / inventor of the Zeuhl movement, but adds a distinctive style of its own and eschews many of the elements (like droning and endless repetition) that make Magma often difficult to swallow. Led by pianist Marc RozenbergFind albums by this artist, who also composed all of the band´s music, and featuring a double female vocals chants by Paule KleynnaertFind albums by this artist and Amara TahirFind albums by this artist, the band managed to create a remarkable body of music as documented on their three albums (and a fourth unreleased one). Both Prog and Zeuhl fans will find this album indispensible, since no other band ever managed to achieve the same level of excellence and execution in that particular niche, although the album should be of interest to all open-minded music enthusiasts, especially those interested in Jazzy improvisations and complex Fusion. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | XING SA ~ CREATION DE L`UNIVERS
SOLEIL ZEUHL 24 (Barcode: 2090503360891) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
1st album by excellent French instrumental trio Xing SaFind albums by this artist, which comprises of three members of the band SetnaFind albums by this artist. The band is led by keyboardist Nicolas GoulayFind albums by this artist, who also composed all the music, and also includes bassist Christophe BlondelFind albums by this artist and drummer Nicolas CandéFind albums by this artist. They are helped by a few guest musicians from the Zeuhl circle and together create some incredible music, which although close in spirit to the Zeuhl influences, ventures beyond the obvious mostly into the Fusion. Goulay´s electric piano (his main instrument) sounds like a token of the 1970s, with that great vintage feel and his improvisations are excellent all way through. The lengthy tracks are often quite atmospheric, but never boring. Altogether this is an excellent debut, which hopefully will be followed by more such excellent music. Not to be missed!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | NOA ~ NOA
SOLEIL ZEUHL 26 (Barcode: 2090503519145) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2011
This is a reissue of the only album by the obscure French band NoaFind albums by this artist, a great gem of the French Zeuhl with strong Jazz influences, modeled on the work by Henry CowFind albums by this artist and many other experimental / Avant-Garde ensembles of the day. Fronted by wordless female vocals (vocalese) with saxophone, flute, guitar and drums this is a superb document of an era, when music was still made for the sake of Art. Remastered to CD by Udi KoomranFind albums by this artist, this is a must to all fans of great strange music and another great release by the excellent French Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label label.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAVE ~ 1
SOLEIL ZEUHL 27 (Barcode: 2090503519152) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2011
This is a reissue of the first album by the obscure French Zeuhl / Jazz-Rock group StraveFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Serge BringolfFind albums by this artist. Originally a double LP, the album feature a full blown tentet lineup of the group, which includes a full brass section. Strongly influenced by the British Canterbury Scene and experimental British and French Rock groups, this is some great music, which remained mostly unknown and sadly forgotten on the last 30 years. Remastered to CD by Udi KoomranFind albums by this artist, this is a must to all fans of great strange music and another great release by the excellent French Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label label.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | EIDER STELLAIRE ~ 1
SOLEIL ZEUHL 30 (Barcode: 2090503603592) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2011
This is the 1st album by the great French Zeuhl group Eider StellaireFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Michel Le BarsFind albums by this artist, which is often considered as one of the true gems of the genre. It embodies the Zeuhl spirit, presenting music which combines elements of modern European Classical music, Rock and Jazzy improvisations. The band often played at the same venues as MagmaFind albums by this artist of course. The great instrumental work and the vocalese female vocals are, as usual, quite irresistible. This is also one of the rarest albums around, with the original vinyl only pressed in 300 copies and now being and ultra-rare collector´s item. This new edition adds a great bonus track, but most importantly brings to life one of the greatest European Prog gems. Absolutely essential for every Zeuhl fan!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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