VISITORS

This is an interesting project created by French producer Jean-Pierre Massiera who decided to make his own album for a change instead of helping others do the same. His studio had a carnival-like atmosphere apparently as he invited passing musicians to drop in and play on this. The result is we get a list of 20 musicians who were involved in making this concept album. There seems to be a core of 8 musicians based on the photos in the liner notes. I have the Musea re-issue from 1994. It's about aliens making contact with planet Earth. Cool to see the Lockwood brothers involved, with Francis on Fender Rhodes and Didier on violin. Rather short at under 31 minutes and vocal heavy with the vocal melodies and backing vocals being very prominent making me think this was from 1969 or 1970. So a little dated sounding since this was recorded and released in 1974.

"Dies Irae" is by far the longest tune at over 8 minutes. A dramatic intro gives way to organ and vocal melodies. It kicks in with swirling organ and more before 3 minutes then it settles in after 3 1/2 minutes with vocals and a heavy sound. Spoken words then some ripping guitar 5 minutes in. A calm quickly follows. Violin and vocal melodies before 6 minutes then it's heavy again. "L'extra-Adventure De Villas-Boas" opens with drums and heaviness as vocals join in. The calm with acoustic guitar before 2 minutes is brief as the vocals return quickly with heaviness and violin. Lots of vocal melodies and more acoustic guitar followed by spoken words and laughter.

"Terre-Larbour" opens with growling synths as processed spoken words and active drumming join in. Multi-vocals follow and they get theatrical but stop before 1 1/2 minutes as synths and drums continue. "Flatwoods Story" is the only song with English lyrics. Rain and thunder to start as drums, vocals, bass and relaxed guitar take over. Backing vocals with spoken words just before a minute with spacey synths. It kicks back in but ends with spoken words, drums and guitar. "Nous" opens with sounds that seem to go in circles as drums support. Violin will come and go and vocals arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. It kicks back in after 2 minutes with violin over top.

"Visitors" is the only instrumental. It's haunting to begin with as vocal melodies join in along with bass and synth-like sounds. It kicks in just before a minute. Bass, piano and violin lead around 2 minutes as drums continue. Back to that earlier sound from just before a minute. "Le Retour Des Dieux" ends the album and it begins with some creepy spoken words and a solemn atmosphere. Outbursts of power come and go. Vocals follow and he sounds like a "Metal" singer here singing with passion. Drums only after 2 minutes then the violin joins in then vocal melodies to the end.

A pretty good album actually but for my tastes I can't give this more than 3 stars.