BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE

One of the many proofs to detractors that the 80's did provide excelent music is this amazing second album by French/Turkish act Asia Minor. Throughout it's 35 minutes it will catch your attention like few albums do, with its intricate guitar, flute, and keyboard harmonies, shifting between slower gentle melodies and heavier, faster-paced section led by some fantastic guitar and drums.

A comparrison to Camel is inevitable, but you also get influences from French Symphonic and, of course, slight hints of eastern european/oriental music, especially when the flute takes the lead role.

Vocals are often kept short, and that might be a good think, because it's one of the week points of this band. The second weak point of the album is actually a compliment: it is just too short. Immense sadness filled me when it reached its end so fast.

Another sadenig thing was the conditions on which the band called it a day. I read in the liner notes of the album that lack of recognition, both criticaly and commercialy, was the main cause of the band's demise. Not to tarnish other great acts of french musical scene, but I believe we would have been better served had Asia Minor got the attention they deserved back then. A solid 4-star.