ONE SHOT

Finally ONE SHOT has re-issued their debut. Originally the band released 500 copies which were all sold years ago. This one is under the Soleil Zeuhl label and it's been remixed and remastered. New cover art and a new title too as they call it "Reforged" instead of it being self titled. This was originally recorded in one day. I like this album a lot, it's not as dark or heavy as the two studio albums that follow but that's okay, I like how Jazzy it is, and at times it seems improvised. A lot looser feel here overall. For those who don't know this 4 piece band includes 3 members of MAGMA (Borghi, Bussonnet & MacGaw) along with a killer drummer named Daniel Jeand'heur.

"MDM" opens with some atmosphere then it kicks in before a minute. Everything stands out here, the bass, guitar, drums and keyboards. They're just ripping it up after 6 minutes. It ends like it began. "Monsieur G" features some prominant guitar early then the bass, keyboards and drums take the lead 2 1/2 minutes in. The guitar is back before 4 minutes. "33" opens with drums and chunky bass before the angular guitar arrives. A blistering display after 3 1/2 minutes. "One Shot" is led by bass and cymbals before the keys and drums join in before a minute. The guitar makes some noise before 3 1/2 minutes and later before 8 1/2 minutes to end it. "Le Main Du Diable" is the longest track at 11 1/2 minutes and a top three for me. It's uptempo to start then it settles with guitar as contrasts continue. It turns dark and experimental after 2 minutes. Nice. Check out the keys ! The guitar comes to the fore later then it turns uptempo again.

"Un Jour Dans L'Est" is another top three. Faint keys to open. Cymbals before 2 minutes. It's building. Bass joins in as it stays pretty laid back as keys lead. "Riff Fantom" is my favourite. This is classic ONE SHOT right here. Dark, heavy and very powerful like the albums to follow. Nice guitar work 5 minutes in. The drumming is fantastic later on. Incredible track. "Fleuve" is the bonus track which was recorded at the same time as these other songs. Guitar led and relaxed early on before the keyboards take the lead. Guitar is back later. I like it.

This was originally recorded February 22nd 1999 and the followup studio album ("Ewas Vader") wouldn't be released for about 7 years. An early look at this amazing band. A must for ONE SHOT fans and fans of Jazz / Rock / Fusion.