Magma, the blueprint for a band with an absolutely singular identity, is back once again. And even forty-nine years after "Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh" the French-Kobaïan group isn't planning on giving you any reason to get bored by their Zeuhl shenanigans.
MAGMA - Kãrtëhl (2LP, Zünd D etched) (2022)
With their new live line-up and nothing to do for it, since covid cleared so many stages, Magma just used the time to record the successor of "Zëss (Le Jour Du Néant)" - and it became a very different work.
Instead of one huge composition or suite from drummer / singer / mastermind Christian Vander "Kãrtëhl" is not only a compilation of different songs - you know, what most rock music albums are -, but half of them are also contributions not written by him. Which is a big deal, since even though they stress that there has never been a deliberate choice to have him as the sole composer, it has actually been that way for decades.
But three other members are stepping up for the task now. "Do Rïn Ïlïuss" by lead vocalist Hervé Aknin, "Walömëhndêm" and "Wiï Mëlëhn Tü" by pianists Thierry Eliez resp. Simon Goubert all bring some fresh wind while also seemlessly fitting into the band's mind-blowing signature melange of prog rock, jazz, orffian classic and epic choirs singing myths of a far away planet in a made-up language.
From the beginning it's clear that the tone of this album is lighter and more adventurous than the doomsday narration of "Zëss", while also both the colourfulness of the vocals - provided by all in all seven singers - as well of the wild rock music side of Magma are bought to the forefront.
The legendary Jannick Top has been among the godfathers of a mean powerful bass sound on their 1970's records, and his son Jimmy obviously takes inspiration from him. Christian Vander has fun returning to the drumkit after his break on the last album and proving that he still can absolutely slay it as an insane jazz rock powerhouse. Last but not least Rudy Blas brings back the rock guitars, which had been missing in favour of the orchestra on "Zëss" in spades.
In short "Kãrtëhl" is just Magma having a blast - which is still far beyond the skills most musicians would even dare to dream of. But if you're among those fans for whom the band had become a little too academic lately, you will probably enjoy the energetic purity of this cooparetive effort all the more. This flies by so fast!
As a great bonus the record ends with the demo versions of the two Vander songs "Hakëhn Deïs" and "Dëhndë", both recorded way back in 1978 just with himself on piano and a capella beatbox and the late René Garber, who also played bass clarinet on several Magma classics, on lead vocals. And that's not just an interesting glimpse into the creative process, but actually very listenable and - just like the rest of "Kãrtëhl" - a joy to behold. This music will always be unique. Special. Impressive. Bliss.
And now just give me that beautiful cymbal on the cover for Christmas!
Instead of one huge composition or suite from drummer / singer / mastermind Christian Vander "Kãrtëhl" is not only a compilation of different songs - you know, what most rock music albums are -, but half of them are also contributions not written by him. Which is a big deal, since even though they stress that there has never been a deliberate choice to have him as the sole composer, it has actually been that way for decades.
But three other members are stepping up for the task now. "Do Rïn Ïlïuss" by lead vocalist Hervé Aknin, "Walömëhndêm" and "Wiï Mëlëhn Tü" by pianists Thierry Eliez resp. Simon Goubert all bring some fresh wind while also seemlessly fitting into the band's mind-blowing signature melange of prog rock, jazz, orffian classic and epic choirs singing myths of a far away planet in a made-up language.
From the beginning it's clear that the tone of this album is lighter and more adventurous than the doomsday narration of "Zëss", while also both the colourfulness of the vocals - provided by all in all seven singers - as well of the wild rock music side of Magma are bought to the forefront.
The legendary Jannick Top has been among the godfathers of a mean powerful bass sound on their 1970's records, and his son Jimmy obviously takes inspiration from him. Christian Vander has fun returning to the drumkit after his break on the last album and proving that he still can absolutely slay it as an insane jazz rock powerhouse. Last but not least Rudy Blas brings back the rock guitars, which had been missing in favour of the orchestra on "Zëss" in spades.
In short "Kãrtëhl" is just Magma having a blast - which is still far beyond the skills most musicians would even dare to dream of. But if you're among those fans for whom the band had become a little too academic lately, you will probably enjoy the energetic purity of this cooparetive effort all the more. This flies by so fast!
As a great bonus the record ends with the demo versions of the two Vander songs "Hakëhn Deïs" and "Dëhndë", both recorded way back in 1978 just with himself on piano and a capella beatbox and the late René Garber, who also played bass clarinet on several Magma classics, on lead vocals. And that's not just an interesting glimpse into the creative process, but actually very listenable and - just like the rest of "Kãrtëhl" - a joy to behold. This music will always be unique. Special. Impressive. Bliss.
And now just give me that beautiful cymbal on the cover for Christmas!
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