Present - TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIE ( 1980 )

The title translates as fear from the number 13, which aptly describes this Universe Zero offshoot album with members Roger Trigaux on guitar/ keys, and Daniel Denis on Drums.

The epic first song "Promenade Au Fond D'un Canal" is a scorcher and the highlight! Dark intense , cyclicly minimalistic stabbing piano twists and turns with tempo changes galore, while the searing lead guitar almost pulverise the listener. This reminds me in parts of some Samla Mannas Manna but much darker and more violent. An exceptionally doom laden atmosphere permeates this piece with its driving throbbing bass, piano, and drums, The Frippian guitar blasts and drones at the finale, where Trigaux delivers some exceptionally searing and screaming lead guitar is, well .... devastating!!

The other two tracks are similar to "Promenade" . A litle less intense and more piano based, but nonetheless excellent.

TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIE is A brilliant piece of RIO meets Zeuhl , especially " Promenade " This is still my facvourite of all the Present tracks i've heard and ranks also with the very best of Univers Zero.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Promenade Au Fond D'un Canal (19:15)

2. Quatre-vingt Douze (15:36)

3. Repulsion (3:27)

Total Time: 38:18

Line-up / Musicians

- Roger Trigaux / guitars, pianos

- Alain Rochette / pianos, synths

- Daniel Denis / drums, percussion

- Christian Genet / bass

One Shot - ( 1999 )

Comprised of mostly ex-Magma musicians " One Shot's " debut album is an excellent jazz-rock come zeuhl fusion.

Extremely well played instrumentals with the electric guitar at the fore. There's a touch King Crimson on some tracks too. Favourite has to be the closer " Riff Fantom " although every track is splendid.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. M.D.M. (8:25)

2. Monsieur G. (4:37)

3. Trente Trois (5:24)

4. One Shot (10:10)

5. La Main Du Diable (11:26)

6. Un Jour Dans L'Est (10:00)

7. Riff Fantom (9:23)

Total time: 59:25

Line-up / Musicians - Emmanuel Borghi / Fender Rhodes, synthesizer

- James MacGaw / guitar

- Daniel Jeand'heur / drums

- Philippe Bussonnet / bass

Peter Frohmader - Orakel / Tiefe ( 1983 )

Using a wde range of descriptive sound colours The opening " Orakel " sends us on a very mysteriuos trip in typical Frohmader style. Very otherworldly realms are perfectly realized here with it's melange of cyclical synthesizers, drums and violin.

Some zeuhl flavors in here but with much uniqueness,and very heavy on atmosphere which drips by the bucketload. Superb entrancing stuff which is totally captivating.

"Tiefe" is more soundscapish but no less impressive and entrancing than "Orakel".The shimmering synth/ organ / drones are ethereal and dark, and tripped out. A mesmerizingly intense dreamscape that takes one to the far alien recesses of ones mind. I.m reminded of some Tangerine Dream " Zeit!, although this has a different feel to it.

The earlier works of Frohmader are for me his best works. Another ESSENTIAL listen here!!

Songs / Tracks Listing

1 - Orakel

2 - Tief

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