Xaal - Seconde Ere

Cover Musicians
Xaal - Second Ere Patrick Boileau - drums, synths
Jad Ayache - guitar, synth
Nicolas Neimer - fretless bass
Alex Ferrand - sax
Nicolas Genèt - trumpet
Release Label Cat. N° Playing Time Rating
1995 Musea Records FGBG 4149.AR

38'51"

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Review by
John 'Bobo' Bollenberg

This posthumously released album let us hear a more spacious sound than on their debut On The Way (En Chemin). The album was produced two years after the actual recording and had to be a statement from the line-up at that particular time consisting of Patrick Boileau, Nicolas Neimer and Jad Ayache. With the inclusion of sax and synthesizer in the instrumental "Seconde Ere" gives a much darker sound that leans towards Zeuhl. Whilst the guitar remains in the background the fusion of different elements result in an unexpected accumulation of power where Crimson and Magma reign.

Listen to the opening track "Ràh" and feel the speakers coming down. It’s as if the arrival of the Roman army is announced: power, power and even more power ! Marvel at the glorious fretless bass in the slightly oriental "Jamais Tranquille." "Al Abad" is more free-jazz oriented with some Brand X tendencies.

Dissonant sounds are the trademark of Xaal, whilst on the domain of percussion there’s no way you can compare it. If you’re looking for something mystic and entirely new and if you’re into Zeuhl, Magma, Weidorje, Zao, then this is it!

Tracklist
  1. Rah
  2. Jamais Tranquille
  3. Al Abad
  4. Piège
  5. Force