PROMETHEE

Thierry Zaboitzeff was one of the two key members of ART ZOYD along with Gerard Hourbette. Both played keyboards while Thierry also payed bass and cello, while Gerard added violin and electronics. Thierry's first studio album from 1984 called "Promethee" hints at ART ZOYD at times but never reaches their level in my opinion. By the way Thierry has released around 15 studio albums so far and on this the debut he is the producer, mixer, composer and recorder of all the music. We do get some guest sax and female vocals. I understand the original vinyl release had two side long suites while the cd re- issue breaks down each suite into seven parts.

On Part 1 we get just over 19 minutes of music beginning with a dark atmosphere with percussion and electronics. Vocal expressions arrive around 2 minutes then organ after 4 minutes followed by sax. The next section is ART ZOYD-like with those strange sounds in a creepy soundscape. Next is a passage that sounds off in the distance including samples or electronics. The first real outburst happens in section "D" but they are shrill sounds with a ticking sound and more. Church bells late. Next is picked guitar, drums and more. I like this section. Percussion and a mysterious vibe follow in section "F" as strings join in. The final section of the first suite is a very short piece of percussion and sax.

Part 2 begins with an eerie soundscape full of suspense and this continues for the first three sections with male vocal melodies arriving on the third section "C". Faint sounds begin in part "D" that click, ping and beat as electronics come and go. It's even quieter on the next section until we get to "F" my favourite section. The guitar cries out over another soundscape that's full of suspense. Great stuff! The album ends with a short haunting piece with strange sounds.

I really wanted to love this album being a huge ART ZOYD fan but it's quite minimalistic and when it does break out I'm not that into it. I've listened to this longer than I do most albums just trying to get a grasp on it without much success.