FLOË ËSSI / ËKTAH

Wait, you're telling me Magma put out a single? Like a pop single for radio play, right? Muhahahaha, not quite ...

Actually, I think this duet of songs would make an excellent introduction to Magma firstcomers if they can find it. You get all of the intensity and absolutely brilliant work in the rhythm section that Magma represents, some of the sense of how Magma can build even a simple theme to an almost unbearable pitch, and an accessible, mythology-free introduction to Magma's peculiar aesthetic--all stripped down to its essence and refreshingly well-mixed. It's like one of those energy shot drinks... or a really awesome pair of dark chocolate truffles... or maybe one of those Mana Potions that Fry's Electronics sells. What's not to like?

Besides the extremely pleasant surprise of finding Magma still turning out excellent music, the biggest surprise of this album for me was that Floë Ëssi was not written by Vander, but by the new bass player, Bussonnet! It is a brilliant song that fits right in with Magma's approach, and in there you'll find a bass line that will rock your socks off. Despite its brevity, it ought to be considered part of Magma's essential canon IMO. Ektah is no slouch either, and gives more of the sense of how Magma builds and builds on a theme.

I hear you--the world of rock music has given you good reason to mistrust singles. You may be tempted to pass this album by, assuming it's just for collectors or die-hard Magma fans, or that it is some sort of misguided attempt at commercial success. Do not make either of these mistakes. This is killer stuff, and well worth a trip out of your way to seek out.