TRANZITION

Whatever keeps Richard Pinhas recording after some 30 years of research is undoubtedly his passion for minimalism and deeply intimate climatic Oeuvre. However I am not really sure that the man is still ahead of his era as he was in the 70's. So most of his records since that period have a bit the Déjà-entendu, but one has to check-out most of his albums because there is always some interesting ideas.

Such is the case in his latest record: the first two track are simply excellent , driven by the mad drumming of Paganotti (without any traces of Magma music, though) and Pinhas evolving above it with the usual synth layers and his ever-brilliant guitar (which by now has gotten over his Fripp influences) and computer noodlings.

However , the next two tracks are pretty unremarkable (the drums not being as present ) and the last 26 min track are obviously an intro to the next album. Will you care enough to indulge in it after having heard the intro: well I'm lucky I rented this album from the library (as I will the next one when it comes out) , but I would answer negatively if I had to buy it.

With Tranzition, Richard Pinhas demonstrates that he can't be naively compared as the french "Fripp". This album is extraordinary fluidistic, voluptuous and moving, avoiding the weird-dissonant effects to most of Heldon albums. In a way it is much more accessible and harmonious. It doesn't mean that the music loses its consistence and complexity. I consider this one to be better than anything released by Pinhas during the East / west or l'éthique 80's turning period. The musical universe delivered by Tranzition is substantial and dynamic, admitting a lot of variations and differents moods. The soundscape is deeply voluminous, static and extactic. It sounds very modern but it doesn't deny Pinhas' basic constant music ingredients: slow moving synthesised textures, rhyzomatic like guitar chords and sci-fi electronic grooves. Some compositions seem to admit connexions with post-industrial ambient music. Moumone girl is a powerfully spaced out composition for massive drone sequences and otherwordly monotonous guitar melodies. The piece is punctuated by narratives and hyper-active percussive parts. The title track features plesantly suspenseful minimal melodies perpetual drum parts and some modern electronic computarized oscillations. The sound of this album is quite modern but never disappointed, a continuous marvellous treat for this ears. This album will be followed by the astonishing Metatron which features relatively same musical tastes, charming evanescent guitar tones and powerful massive like electronic textures. A solid imaginative album, original ideas and a great come back.