Retrospektïw I - II

Seventh Rex XVI-XVII

Recorded June 1980 - 76m 09s

Ehn Aïmaah

A glorious 'Theusz Hamtaahk', a so-so 'MDK' and a pretty nifty 'Mekanïk Zaïn'. Ork Alarm rarely praises this particular live set! Yet for this metallized incarnation one must re-assess ones feelings somewhat. Essential just for 'Theusz Hamtaahk'; so far the only official version of that opus - although the BBC recording from 1974 was superb - even this line-up could not go far wrong with the old material. Klaus, Christian & Stella's vocals are wicked and Paganotti's bass work is apocalyptic. You won't like to read the following, but in the early 80's I think Vander's music was better represented by ALIEN QUINTET & then FUSION, than by this dispirited version of 'MDK' (Choke, splutter, gasp - Ed.). Thankfully Didier's scorching solo redeems it.

Conclusion: An excellent recording of savage, pulsating Zeuhl music and ephemeral harmonious beauty, though crucially weak in the keyboards and guitar domains. Anyway, as "Ed." says: "ignore our reviews and just listen to Vander's music". Most of you already know the album; now listen to these CDs on some good headphones.