EIDER STELLAIRE I

Sub-genre: Zeuhl (A prog dictionary picture)
For Fans of: Magma
Vocal Style: Female harmonies, operatic overtones.
Guitar Style: Varyingly distorted "single coil microphone" tones. (thank you for the clarification JC)
Keyboard Style: Rhodes, Clean Rhodes, overdriven Rhodes? more Rhodes. Some piano.
Percussion Style: Rock/jazz kit played in classic Zeuhl style.
Bass Style: Slightly overdriven picked electric.
Other Instruments: Sax, flute
You are not likely to enjoy this album if: you find Magma to be brooding, droning and unvaried.

Summary: The whole of the Zeuhl sub-genre is frequently targeted as stagnant. But fans of Zeuhl can point to some very unique manifestations of the movement. The Japanese interpretation of Zeuhl (Koenjihyakkei, Bondage Fruit, Happy Family) as well European Zeuhl like Eskaton and Universal Totem Orchestra are able to fit the Zeuhl parameters while maintaining their individuality. Eider Stellaire I sadly misses the mark. They are firmly entrenched in Magma-esque derivation.

The Rhodes keyboard and overdriven bass sounds are oppressively delivered. There are times where the guitar work, something not as synonymous with Magma, hints at a shift in direction; just not far enough to remind you that you are not listening to Magma. For the most part the arrangements are delivered with proficiency. These are certainly well-trained quality musicians. From the standpoint of recording quality, the mix comes across fairly well balanced. There are times that the vocals sound scratchy. Not likely due to the vocalists, but more likely somebody dropped the microphone in a barrel of Chenin Blanc.

Final Score: Repeated listens found nothing to really hook me. It is certainly a proficient clone, but a clone nonetheless. The musicianship is good, but not Magma level. I am sure that many diehard fans of the sub-genre would find Eider Stellaire I absolutely essential. Then again, I consider myself to be a pretty hardcore Zeuhl fan and I will not likely listen to it often. Good but not essential. 3 stars.

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