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Zyma - Thoughts CD (album) cover

THOUGHTS

Zyma

 

Canterbury Scene

3.96 | 76 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer
5 stars Well it definitely hurt to read the news this morning that Francois Cahen (MAGMA / ZAO) passed away yesterday. I listened to ZAO's "Osiris" album this morning after listening to this record by ZYMA that i'm about to review, and I was overwelmed by Cahen's keyboard work all over again. If there's one thing that lifts my spirits though it's music, and this ZYMA album called "Thoughts" did that and then some. I still can't get over how good this record is.The compositions, vocals and instrumental work are inventive and outstanding. While this German band is listed under Canterbury (a rare thing) they really combine several styles including Zeuhl, Jazz / Rock / Fusion and Krautrock. For me this is a Jazz / Rock / Fusion hybrid and they implimented a lot of great ideas in creating this masterpiece. Lots of Fender Rhodes and growly bass, while the highlight for me is the drumming. Unreal ! A fair amount of violin is used while the guitar and flute seem to be used sparingly. I really enjoy the female vocals and the way she sings those wordless melodies.

"Thoughts" opens with female vocal melodies with drums and bass that brings Zeuhl to mind right away.This made me smile knowing this is a German band. It then settles in with vocals, intricate drumming, bass and Fender Rhodes. So good. Piano to the fore 3 minutes in. It turns spacey with synths 4 1/2 minutes in then the violin joins in as the intricate drumming and synths continue. Bass too.Vocals are back before 6 1/2 minutes. "Businessman" is an interesting track. It has a very spacey intro that ends before 2 minutes then intricate drumming, bass and Fender Rhodes kicks in and builds.Vocal melodies and some distorted keyboards follow. Male vocals before 5 1/2 minutes. I cannot get over how good the drumming is here. Piano to the fore before 7 minutes then violin after 8 minutes.This is so intricate and there's so much going on.Too good to be true.

"One Way Street" opens with female and male vocals. Funny lyrics here with some very cool vocal arrangements. Inventive. It turns experimental in that Krautrock style and spirit before 2 minutes. She's screaming in the background. It kicks back in at 3 minutes to an uptempo rhythm with male vocals.Violin after 4 minutes then silly vocal melodies come in followed by flute.

"We Got Time" is uptempo with flute, female vocals and a beat. When the vocals stop the violin leads then the violin stops and the vocals lead as they trade off. "Wasting Time" opens with female vocal melodies as the bass and drums join in. Drums to the fore 3 minutes in then piano and violin join in as well. Male and female vocals arrive as the drums pound. Piano and drums then lead as they jam in a relaxed manner. Nice.

It's like this was custom made for me. Simply outstanding in every way.

Mellotron Storm | 5/5 |

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