SARABANDES

MINIMUM VITAL are from France and they play a sort of Symphonic / JRF mix with some Folk elements thrown in.This album was released in 1990 and the only thing i've heard from them prior to this was their contribution to the "Odyssey-Greatest Tale" concept album where I felt they offered up the best track.That was in 2005 and to my ears an improvement on what we have here. Still it seems most rate this album or their most recent 2009 release as their best. There's plenty to enjoy with this record, it just didn't meet my high expectations although it's still a low 4 star rating for me. Unfortunately all the liner notes are in French because there is a long list of instruments used on this record, much more than is attributed here on this site.

"Le Chant De Monde" opens with acoustic guitar followed by the accordion that eventually leads. It kicks in with guitar, drums and more before 2 minutes. Excellent. It does settle back a little with flute-like sounds, bass and drums standing out.The guitar is back leading before 5 minutes. "Port Sur L'ere" is acoustic guitar melodies throughout. "Sarabandes No. I" his some prominant chunky bass early as other intricate sounds come and go. Flute then guitar after 1 1/2 minutes.This is great.Vocals for the first time on the album a minute later. Guitar follows.

"Cantiga De Santa Maria" has these synths that pulsate slowly with intricate sounds as the vocals join in. It's fuller 2 minutes in. "Sarabandes No. II" opens with spacey synths then a full sound kicks in. Guitar follows. It turns jazzy 4 1/2 minutes in then kicks back in at 6 minutes with the guitar lighting it up. "Hymne Et Danse" opens with piano then we get a change after 2 minutes.Vocals 6 minutes in as it settles right down to the end.

"Danza Vital" has these horns blasting away like royalty has arrived then it kicks in after a minute. Great sound here.Check out the bass, drums and guitar ! "Le Bal Diable" is the short classical sounding piece.

This is too good in my books not to give 4 stars to, there's so much here that I enjoy.