K.A (KÖHNTARKÖSZ ANTERIA)

Magma is a group from France that debuted in 1970 under the direction of the great drummer Christian Vander. The music is quite unique; unlike most music which is written and then english (swedish/french/japanese/etc) lyrics are attached to it, this music was literally created from the language. Which language? Kobaïan. What's that? It's a language they invented because they determined that French "wasn't expressive enough."

They call their music Zeuhl, which means Celestial in their own language. One man described Zeuhl as "about what you'd expect an alien rock opera to sound like: massed, chanted choral motifs, martial, repetitive percussion, sudden bursts of explosive improv and just as unexpected lapses into eerie, minimalist trance-rock." That description is still lacking, but it works. You get the idea that it's really far out, and like nothing that you've ever heard before in your entire life.

K.A. is the 9th studio release by Magma. The first 7 were between '70 and '78, #8 was their admittedly pop-sellout album, and then they started up again in '04 with this album. Unlike most band whose later music is crap and worth ignoring, this album sums up everything they ever did in their earlier years (minus the pop sellout) and takes it to the next level. It's grooving, powerful, emotional, and all so beautiful in it's alien atmosphere.

The album consists of three tracks; "K.A. 1", "K.A. 2", and "K.A. 3" which all seamlessly play together into a single 40-minute piece. I've listened to it 10's and 10's of times, but it has never felt long to me, it never drops the ball, never loses momentum, and only leaves you begging for more after the final chant fades away. The effect is simply smashing.

5 people lend their voices in singing, and they all are simply stunning. They blow through complex harmonies and rhythms with ease, and fade into background rhythms ala Camina Burana through beautiful chant motifs. They really are five of the best singers I've heard, all sharing the spotlight together.

If you can't tell already, I have trouble finding any fault with this album. In fact, many people have crowned it the album of the latest decade. This truly is a must-have album for anyone who wants something more than pop can give them.

No hesitation, five stars. Bravo.