NYL

Interesting one-shot French album, on the URUS label, which was formerly Richard Pinhas' Disjuncta Records, but the named changed to URUS when he sold the label to his studio manager. Nyl appears to be one of the most difficult LP to find on the label as it was apparently the last title on the label. That probably explains why Richard Pinhas' Chronolyse, which was recorded during this time, was never released then (it had to wait until 1978, in which Cobra released it, which was the label Heldon/solo Pinhas went to after the demise of URUS). Nyl appeared to me a musical commune circling around drummer Stephane Rossini and guitarist Michel Peteau. Guests include Bernard Lavialle (Ame Son, Patrick Vian), Elisabeth Wiener (apparently the French actress and singer), and none other than Jannick Top (Magma). I really have a hard time comparing this to anyone. I hear comparisons to Krautrock and of Hawkwind, but that doesn't do justice. Coeur Magique (an obscure but great French band who released an album in 1971 called Wankan Tankan on BYG) seems to be one group I get reminded off, especially because the male vocals remind me of Rod Stewart (but don't let that scare you, it's simply he has that same raspy voice) but far more wild guitar work. A bit of a Magma influence, but I guess that's not really a surprise given Jannick Top's presence on "Nyarlathotep", "Nyl" and "Ailes D'Or". So easy to identify his bass playing there. "Nyl" is without a doubt the highlight of the whole album, it makes my day every time I hear it. I can't believe an extended piece consisting of largely a two chord guitar riff can be so effect, but I guess the magic was the added on wordless voices and amazing spacy synths that went with it.

I do have to state my review is of the original LP as that's what I own. The CD reissue not only has the songs switched around, but a bunch of bonus tracks.

A great album really worth seeking out!