1001° CENTIGRADES [AKA: 2]

Originally, the cover for this second Magma album was much more interresting. Compared to the debut album this is slightly less weird and innovative, but also more consistent. This is still much more jazzy than Magma will later become. In fact, this is not as "Zeuhl" sounding as MDK is. Drummer/vocalist Christian Vander is not completely in control of the group yet, although his Kobaian language and mythology leads the way. The songwriting is more democratic than on later albums. The line-up has changed a bit from the first album. After this keyboardist Francois Cahen and saxophonist Jeff Seffer form Zao, while bassist Francis Moze will join Gong.

Things kick off with the almost 22 minute "Riah Sahiltaahk." This starts out with some groovin' jazz-rock with vocals. Later goes into a more typical Zeuhl sound. Parts of this epic definately forshadows later Magma. Constantly changes but nothing ever sounds forced, the different sections melt into each other. Goes almost proto-chamber-prog in the middle; you can hear the sound of later Art Zoyd and Univers Zero in this part. Gets more chaotic and avant for awhile. Music stops at one point and then some beautiful yet eerie Rhodes and flute come in. More typical Zeuhl sounding later on, some vocal freak-outs towards the end. The piece ends with a big bang, then the piano melody from "Klaus Kombalad" (which can be heard on the compilation Simples) finishes it.

You can listen to ""Iss" Lansei Doia" here on PA. I like the bass sound at the beginning, it sounds acoustic. Other than the bass it starts off with everything else just making random noises until a Rhodes leads the bass towards some jazz-rock that sounds like Zao. Later gets more dissonant and noisy with the bass and Rhodes still going steady. Nothing but brass for awhile. Bass and hi-hat come in and harmony vocals follow. Then Klaus Blasquiz (I think) does some some weird low creepy vocals as Vander does drum fills. A long instrumental section later on before the music stops. Some Rhodes and vocals appear again. Clock and bell sounds to finish it.

"Ki Iahl O Liahk" is a rather funky song at times for this early in Magma's career. This is probably the most traditionally melodic song on the album. Love the militant chants you hear once in awhile. I like how the tempo picks up and it goes into a more energenic section before getting more funky. Nice Rhodes playing during this part along with some great trumpet work. This continues until the end of the song. The sound and production is better here than on the following MDK, which was always better live anyway. As usual for Magma, a great mix of vocals, drums and piano; the Zeuhl bass sound had yet to be invented. There is only hints of later Zeuhl here, but also hints of later avant-prog as well. Great album but not their best. 4 stars.