Magma - Retrospektiw I - II (1981)

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Magma - Retrospektiw I - II (1981)

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After 1978 and the Attahk album, Magma took a little break. It was actually not really a break, they just decided to focus more on live performances than on studio efforts. This is what prompted Vander to release the recordings under the name of »Retrospektiw« in the early 1980s. Here, some of their most prominent works are exhibited, as well as some unknown pieces (like “Theusz Hamtaahk” on this record). Most of these lesser known pieces had never previously been released, as is the case with “Theusz Hamtaahk”. For his undertaking, Vander again gathered some fine musicians around him and judging by the quality of these recordings, they didn't let him down.

This particular set starts with “Theusz Hamtaahk”, which is supposed to be a part of a trilogy (first one), together with “Mekanik Destruktiw Komandoh” and “Wurdah Itah”. The piece is at times pretty unusual for Magma, because some segments are reminiscent of symphonic and space rock. One would think these parts would not be their cup of tea, but they play them as if they had been doing it for years - true professionals. Personally, I find this piece as one of their best. There is a very versatile structure and the music is not as repetitive as some previous pieces. The vocal parts are of course brilliant and they are in the centre of attention for the most part. Vander exhibits some terrific skills as well, from scatting, falsetto, screeching - you name it. The instruments are just as strong. The bass is prominent and is threatening to bring the building down. The keyboards are equally as intense (three keyboard players) as are all the other instruments, predominantly Vander's turbo drumming.
The second disc sees Magma perform a slightly altered version of MDK. It starts with Vander reciting some of his story and philosophy in French. This is followed by an explosive performance of the first part of what some people consider to be the first real zeuhl album. The execution is powerful and top notch, the one factor fans might dislike is that the horns are replaced by keyboards. Usually, I'd not look kindly at these kinds of moves, but it actually works here. The effects are satisfactory and quite realistic. At about the twenty minute mark MDK stops and the crazy improvisation of “Mekanik Zain” starts. The improvisations actually start with the bass theme from Top's “De Futura” from the Udu Wudu album. The version of “Mekanik Zain” is similar to that on Live/Hhai, except that this one is shorter. A great asset here is Didier Lockwood on violin, who really brings an extra spark to the music. I'm quite surprised Vander didn't use him on one of the studio albums as well.

On these first two retrospectives Vander is again surrounded by wonderful musicians, who enrich his music and vision. Paganotti develops Top's deafening style on bass even more. Vander contributes some excellent vocal parts, alongside the usually scintillating drumming. The guitar is even more prominent, especially on MDK, while the keyboards are more based around synth lines (along the usual element of electric piano). The violin player has some excellent moments, while the layered choral vocals remain the strongest link in the Magma chain.

Retrospektiw I-II is a great live representation of a group at the top of its game. It would be harder to find two works that work better in a live setting. MDK is already a Magma classic, while “Theusz Hamtaahk” has all the makings of one, if Vander ever chooses to record it in the studio. Both works contain a large amount of enthusiasm, energy and conviction, so that the listener gets sucked into the music. The one slight problem I see is that the album was released on two CDs, despite lasting under eighty minutes. It could easily be released as a single album (at least on CD). However, I suppose it's nice to have it packaged as it was originally intended and I never mind giving a bit of extra money when Magma is concerned. Recommended!

by maribor, progressiveears

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Magma - Retrospektiw I - II (1981)

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Magma - Retrospektiw I - II (1981)

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Magma - Retrospektiw I - II (1981)

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