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In 1968, French smalltown Maubeuge was giving birth to this fascinating avant-garde outfit that now boasts 13 albums, 17 videos, many soundtracks and music for shows, worldwide festival appearances plus numerous live and compilation disks. By the early 80’s, ART ZOYD had already gone through over 30 musicians but the core always centered around composer and classically-trained violinist Gerard Hourbette and bassist Thierry Zaboitzeff. Constantly evolving over the years, their music is always highly adventurous, drawing on elements of the modern classics (Bartok, Stravinsky), the chamber rock ...read more
In 1968, French smalltown Maubeuge was giving birth to this fascinating avant-garde outfit that now boasts 13 albums, 17 videos, many soundtracks and music for shows, worldwide festival appearances plus numerous live and compilation disks. By the early 80’s, ART ZOYD had already gone through over 30 musicians but the core always centered around composer and classically-trained violinist Gerard Hourbette and bassist Thierry Zaboitzeff. Constantly evolving over the years, their music is always highly adventurous, drawing on elements of the modern classics (Bartok, Stravinsky), the chamber rock of Univers Zero, a bit of jazz, a good dose of zeuhl and lately, a penchant for electronics. Despite their lack of a drummer, their material is intensely rhythmic and largely relies on strings, horns and piano. Considered more ‘neo-classical chamber’ than truly rock, their energy level has the intensity of bands such as Magma and 70’s King Crimson, with strong dynamics and atmospheric climaxes.With each successive album, the rock aspect of their material slowly gave way to a blend of zeuhl and classical music, developing ever tenser and darker climates - surely not for the faint of heart. “Phase IV” (1982) is hailed as their all-time masterpiece and displays a remarkable “ear” for dense and dramatic textures. “Les espaces inquiets” (1983) is in the same vein but a bit more experimental, the music alternating between ominous, plodding parts with minimal instrumentation (usually a solo piano or organ) and faster, more frantic sections led by trumpet and strings. « hide |
Similar Bands: Univers Zero, Present, Art Bears, Aksak Maboul, Magma Contributors: brainmelter, nylonhair, YankeeDudel, Onirium, YankeeDudel,
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