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Pazop - Psychillis of a Lunatic Genius CD (album) cover

PSYCHILLIS OF A LUNATIC GENIUS

Pazop

 

Canterbury Scene

4.03 | 64 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Psychillis of a Lunatic Genius is belgian band Pazopīs sole album. Allthough Pazop is listed here as Canterbury Scene there is much more to their sound than that. Admitted there are lots of Canterbury influences here but there are also definite RIO tendencies. Pazop owes some dept to Zappa for instance. Pazop has the same kind og crazy humour. There is also a Jazz/ fusion element in some of the songs. This CD reissue of Psychillis Of A Lunatic Genius contains the tracks from the original LP and some songs recorded for their second album which was never released. There is not that much difference in sound or style so this album seems like itīs meant to be this way.

The music is very intriguing and at times mildy complex. In addition to drums, bass and keyboards there are lots of flute and especially violin on Psychillis of a Lunatic Genius. There are no guitar on the album, but donīt worry you wonīt have time to miss it as there is always something exciting going on. The most Canterbury influenced songs are What Is the Further Purpose, Mirela, Bami, Lychee, Si ( even though it has a weird RIO like ending), Can It Be Sin and M.M.M. while the RIO influences can be heard in songs like Harlequin of Love, Freedom Dance, And the Hermit Will Be the Master, In the Army (Devil Likes Smoke) and Airport Formalities and Taking Off... All Songs are very good IMO. There are no weak songs on Psychillis of a Lunatic Genius and as a consequence this is an excellent album that comes close to being a masterpiece.

There are a few flaws that doesnīt suit my taste though. A lot of the songs fade out which I find annoying. SOngs should be finished properly IMO. Itīs very seldom fading a song out works for me.

The musicianship is outstanding on this album, so look forward to listening to the many details these musicians play. This is really great. I have to mention Dirk Bogaert as he is an excellent musician. He has got a really good voice and he masters many different singing styles. His accent is hardly hearable and when it shows itīs kind of charming IMO. The polish violinist Kuba Szczepansky also has to be mentioned as he is great too. Listen to some of those fast runs and strange sounds he makes. Just brilliant.

The production is good. It has that soft Canterbury sound that weīve all come to expect from bands within that genre.

Iīm very impressed with Psychillis Of A Lunatic Genius and if you like your Canterbury prog rock with a weird twist this should also appeal to you. This is highly recommendable IMO. It īs definitely one of the more original albums I have heard in a long time. At this time there are very few ratings on this album which is very undeserved if you ask me. Try this one out you wonīt regret it. The 4 big stars are well deserved.

UMUR | 4/5 |

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