ÉLECTRONIQUE GUÉRILLA

Heldon's debut album finds Richard Pinhas taking the lessons of Fripp and Eno's No Pussyfooting approach, combining as it does an electronic approach derived from the likes of Klaus Schulze and other electronic bands emerging from the Krautrock scene on the one hand and the guitar stylings of Robert Fripp on the other. The result is an album which, admittedly, is rather derivative, but shows Pinhas as a capable guitarist and synth wizard and sets the scene for what is to follow. The best songs are the middle ones on each side - Back to Heldon and Circulus Vitiosus - which are extended guitar/synth jams, whilst the other songs aren't quite so interesting. On balance, there's a lack of pussyfooting - papa Fripp would be proud - but also a lack of innovation on show. Still, it's very listenable.