Wapassou Wapassou

With their first album, legendary French art-rock band Wapassou found a distinctive musical voice: well-developed melodies, rhythmic organ, prominent droning violin, and guitar doubling-up as a rhythm instrument. They often conjure up what it might have sounded like had John Cale and Stereolab formed a band in 1974, the year this album was released. The five tracks are highly original, varied and inventive, steeped in post-psychedelic rock. Although Wapassou are noted for playing without a rhythm section, the two most striking songs include bass and drums. Why some enterprising dj hasn't created a chill mix from the drum track and provocative vocals on 'Chatiment' (guitarist Karen Nickerl murmuring about the cigarettes she has consumed and that she is a killer, 'Je suis l’assassin,' in the midst of the pulsing drone of the band), we don't know. The 13+ minute long 'Trip' is a revelation: for the first two minutes you will think you stumbled into the Cocteau Twin's 'Victorialand'; the band then jam for six and a half minutes before they drop one of the trippiest ethereal breakbeat grooves you'll ever hear; the last two minutes of solo sitar are sonic lysergia of the highest quality. Lest we startle you with excited pronouncements of how good this album is, we've forced ourselves to be matter of fact! it is unique, with slight nods to groups like Amon Düul, Popol Vuh, Czar, and Ash Ra Tempel. A colorful insert has the detailed history of the making of the album, plus photos and other marvels. Remastered and sounding better than it ever has.