FOETUS

Well I do like this better than their final record "Nicolas II" but not as much as "Triton". Some nice Zeuhl moments on this their debut album, and the first two tracks especially are outstanding. The best album cover as well on this one out of the three.

"Foetus" just has this beautiful sound to it. The vocal melodies actually remind me of Robert Wyatt at times. The drums are quite prominant, as are the keys after 3 minutes as a beautiful melody follows. Check out the guitar 5 minutes in, it's fabulous ! "Zed" has a very Zeuhl-like rhythm. The vocal melodies are great. Full blown Zeuhl 3 minutes in, an awesome sound. "Nuit Sur Le Golan" opens with these strange sounds, as spoken words and vocal sounds come and go. Some quiet violin to end this experimental song. Fortunately it's only 2 minutes long. "Ballade" opens with violin and vocal melodies. These light sections are contrasted with the uptempo passages of keys and drums. Keyboard melodies end up dominating the song until violin takes over with some scorching melodies. Then it's the guitars turn, as vocal melodies end it.

"Hymne" has a Jazz / Fusion vibe to it that they would develope further on their final album. This short song has it all though including vocal melodies. "Loolitt" has some nice piano melodies and a good beat. Violin and guitar take turns showing off with a vocal melody to follow. Great track. "Cedille" is 5 minutes of piano melodies. This is mellow of course, with some tempo changes thrown in. "Laure" opens with guitar, drums, bass and keys all jumping in and out quickly before a melody arrives 1 1/2 minutes in. The drums are so crisp and I like the vocal melodies. The song ends as it began. "Cycles" opens with some beautiful piano. Guitar comes in, and is joined eventually by violin, bass and drums.

A solid 4 star record in my opinion.