DATURA

Another mysterious gem from France. We can mention DATURA should be one of obscure (and maybe one-off) French acts in mid 1980s. Their album "Mr. Untel", released in 1982 (maybe) on their own, has clear symphonic essence leaning towards French symphonic progressive vanguards like Ange or Atoll, and catchy, acceptable texture for pop / rock fans. Yes regardless of such a simpleness of the sleeve, there is apparent French passion everywhere in this album. We can find they would have got somewhat inspired by 70s British symphonic but at the same time there are magnificent bombastic narcistic feeling around them.

From the beginning of the first shot "La Ballade De Mr. Untel", we get veiled in dreamy mellotron sound curtain and spicy, enthusiastic Jean-Paul's French voices in the same vein of Andr' Balzer (but not so weird as Christian D'camps) ... No suspicion we should get excited at melodic development. In the following "La Cour Des Miracles" they might launch sound miracles with utilizing instruments (featuring spacey keyboard sounds) and strained voices. Basically Pat's keyboard play is not so fruity nor rich for 80s rock (of course, beautiful piano / key phrases come here and there, e.g. in "L'Attaque" or "Zhork") but we can easily imagine they would rejoice over such a pleasant creation ... why not good?

Let me say they have completed their music life without getting matured musically and without finding a distinct goal. It's a pity indeed, but via their unrefined, unpolished soundvision like a immatured bottle of French white wine, another impressive moment can be heard. So glad to meet such an unknown one.