Magma have not toured the U.K. since 1975. Since that the, their approach and personnel have altered considerably. This short tour of Germany saw their line-up halved to six members (drums, percussion, pianos, vocals and occasional bass guitar) with most of the group doubling on instruments.
Anyone who witnessed earlier incarnations of the group will be surprised to learn of the semi-acoustic nature of the present set and the general absence of bass guitar, where before masters such as Jannick Top and Bernard Paganotti have been essential driving foundations of Magma's music. There has been a shift in emphasis from the rhythmic to the harmonic and melodic elements in the music: elements that have always been inherent in the compositions while being underestimated by the group's critics who accuse Magma of a harshness and have been faint-hearted at the intensity of the attack of the group.
Their present set is dedicated to John Coltrane. It contains no material on any of their dozen albums. It is a powerful three-hour set, consisting of around ten numbers or sections which constantly build slowly and hypnotically from quiet piano riff passages into soulful, strong crescendos and beautiful waves of sound that wash back to quieter pieces. The music is fuelled by the strangely exotic vocals of Christian Vander who, along with Stella Vander, takes on most of the vocals and their intricate harmonies.
The originality, beauty and drive of earlier Magma is still present, although the rhythmic power is understated. The stated aim was to get nearer to the core of the music and this has been achieved at these three German gigs - the music has a new vitality and a natural freshness and accessibility. Melody, Motion, Tone and Sensitivity...
Another surprise is that Christian Vander, unquestionably the world's greatest drummer, hardly plays drums in this set. He concentrates on piano and his vocals, into which he squeezes every last ounce of passion and control. When he does finally mount the drum kit, it is both fascinating and exhilarating to see his frenzied assault transforming a quiet piano figure into a soaring crash of sound. Later on, he displays the same awesome power in a twenty-minute drum solo. You've heard of boring drum solos, and of drum solos that are supposed to be exceptions, but Vander's is not merely a drum solo - it goes far beyond his muscular technique, it has melody, motion, tone and sensitivity - it is music!
Christian Vander has been at the heart of Magma for thirteen years. Commercial success has eluded the group despite a succession of essential recordings and being cited as an influence by almost every worthwhile group of the past ten years. Most musicians would find this dispiriting. However, Vander is utterly committed to Magma and to the joyful, celebratory music they are currently making. This devotion to a pure music, a total disdain for the machinations of the music business and an indifference to passing fads is both inspiring and potentially a barrier to commercial success.
The tour manager hopes to bring Magma to the U.K. soon. This is the strongest line-up for a couple of years, the gigs will be fantastic and it's hard to see how anybody could fail to be impressed and moved by this unique group.