Visitors (obscure French prog gem)

I heard a track from this 1974 self-titled album on the radio a little while back and have since procured it in order to give it a thorough listen. Why on earth this group (though by all of accounts they were more of a studio project than a fully-fledged band) has not already been added I simply cannot fathom!

The album's a curious mix of symphonic prog, fusion and Zeuhl-y touches (it's worth noting that violinist Didier Lockwood features a good deal on this album, which was recorded around the same time as his stint with Magma).

There was a second (curiously ALSO self-titled) album recorded in 1981, but I've not heard it yet. Still, I'd say this band's a fully worthwhile add for Eclectic on the strength of the first album alone.

Here's a link to the RYM page: http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/visitors_f1

I'll try and stick some samples online soon, but for now, anyone who has heard the album (or who owns a copy of that lovely "Prog is Not a Four Letter Word" compilation, which features a tasty morsel from the first album) do feel free to chip in!

Ooh nice one! So what do you reckon would be the best sub-genre, Logan?  Personally I'd say Eclectic might be a good fit.

So much out there that goes unoticed. Like the violin. kinda gets somewhat freaky at times. Their tritle track reminds me distantly of some early Gentle Giant!

definite thumbs ups. Visitors is yet another project of french extraordinaire Jean-Pierre Massiera who was a driving force behind the french underground prog/psych scene. Some other bands he was a part of, many of which were leaning towards to prog spectrum: Les Maledictus Sound, Horrific Child, Venus Gang and Les Chats Renaissance; there are probably more I cannot think of now. 

Apsalar wrote: definite thumbs ups. Visitors is yet another project of french extraordinaire Jean-Pierre Massiera who was a driving force behind the french underground prog/psych scene. Some other bands he was a part of, many of which were leaning towards to prog spectrum: Les Maledictus Sound, Horrific Child, Venus Gang and Les Chats Renaissance; there are probably more I cannot think of now.

Indeed! It was during a segment of the show devoted to Massiera's work that I heard the track. It stood out to me amongst the other tracks as being particularly proggy (though I also rather enjoyed the extract from Les Maledictus Sound).

Visitors is great.A big yes for me.

It's the same, but more evaluations tend to take place on the weekend (is it the same with the Avant team?).  You'll probably be alerted here once the team has come to a decision (I'll be away); otherwise, please keep your eye on the Eclectic team thread for progress, and leave a note, or just say hi.  Be great to see more collabs joining in on the team discussions.

Hey all.

Visitors officially cleared for Eclectic. Any takers on the addition?

Ricochet wrote: Hey all. Visitors officially cleared for Eclectic. Any takers on the addition?

Listening to their myspace right now. Cool spooky stuff. I think these guys were into UFOs. How did we miss these guys?