Michael Draine's Twisted Vista
Magma
Retrospektiw III
(Seventh)
This sequel to the 2CD Retrospektiw I-II
captures highlights of Magma’s 11-member
1980 reunion, described by aficionados as a
classic performance of Christian Vander’s
magnum opus. Though running less than 36
minutes, Retrospektiw III represents some
of the best Magma on record, approaching
the exhilarating 1975 Magma Live. The
combined vocal powers of Stella Vander,
Lisa Delux, and Maria Popkiewicz are
displayed to stunning effect on the 18-
minute “Retrovision,” smoothly integrating
gospel influences into the band’s signature		Music Review Index
operatic/avant-garde scat stylings (all
lyrics are in Vander’s synthetic language
of Kobaian, which seems to inspire the
singers to greater emotional abandon.) Jean-		Twisted Cinema
Luc Chevalier spikes the brew with some
fret-melting lead guitar (an instrument
which rarely figures prominently in
Vander’s orchestration), while Dominique
Bertram and Bernard Paganotti lay a
foundation of purring bass. Benoit Wideman
plies broad expanses of total color from
his electric keyboards, though some of his
funky synth effects have grown stale in the
intervening decades. Longtime Magma
chanteur Klaus Blasquiz is conspicuous
by his absence, but Christian Vander and
Guy Khalifa take up the vocal chores
with aplomb. Retrospektiw III’s only
disappointment lies in its brevity; after
the gripping “Retrovision” and “Hhai,” the
closing track “‘La’ Dawotsin” starts
promisingly, then fades after four minutes.
Magma’s inspired blend of Mahavishnu-like
fusion, Wagnerian sense of scale and drama,
bizarre yet soulful vocals, and Christian
Vander’s own passionate, spiritual presence
is an acquired taste, but one to be savored
by the fortunate initiate.
published in i/e #2, Winter 1992
www.seventhrecords.com