Dün - Eros (1981)

Guybrush · 02-08-2011, 12:02 PM

This is a discussion for the Dün's album "Eros" released in 1981. It was the first PFAC homework album for february 2011, but anyone should join in on the discussion.

Here's some info :

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Dün - Eros

Eros is a Zeuhl album (Zeuhl is a subgenre of Avant-prog originating from France that describes a blend of Modern Classical, Prog Rock and Jazz), but it's so much more than that. This album had a huge influence on Math-Rock and the best description i've saw of it is, "A blend between Zappa and Mahavishnu Orchestra with Mathy overtones". The Zappa influence is rather obvious, especially in the time signatures which are just crazy. After the powerful opening track the music takes a more atmospheric turn. The titletrack is a personal highlight with the slow build-up of the flute until the breathtaking climax. This album also has some outstanding Xylophone playing, which for me is a very underrated instrument.This album truly leaves me on the edge of my seat, completely and utterly thrilling. This is the best Prog album of the 80's in my mind, nothing can beat it. A lot of Zeuhl you hear(I haven't heard much though) is just boring and does exactly what it says on the tin, but this takes it to a new level. It takes Zeuhl and turns it into something outstanding. So please vote for this album, it's a masterpiece and i'd love some other opinions on it. Plus if you haven't already heard it(Although this club is usually dominated by major Progheads so you probably have) you must, leaves me in awe every time I play it.

So, whatcha think?

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 02-08-2011, 12:38 PM

It's a good Zuehl album. Not the best or worst. Probably one of the best ones to come out until the genre would fall on Japan later, which would basically rule it. I don't think it quite stacks up to Vander's masterworks, but certainly one of the better Zuehl works. Really like the use of acoustic guitar, and carnival organ.

Really a shame this album was apparently so limited in it's original pressings, and had no follow up. It's a very strong first effort for the relatively unheard of Zuehl band. I'm sure if they were allowed to continue they'd be up there with Bondage Fruit, Koenji, Univers Zero, Art Zoyd, Magma, etc.

~~James~~ · 02-08-2011, 03:16 PM

I think Dun are much better than Magma to be fair.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 02-08-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

I think Dun are much better than Magma to be fair.

I have to respectfully disagree. Dun released one album that barely scratched the surface of what Magma did as a whole.

Not to discredit this album, it's good. I just don't see it matching up anywhere to Wurdah Itah, Kontarsoz, MDK, or even 1001 Centigrades for that matter.

Lisnaholic · 02-08-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

This album truly leaves me on the edge of my seat, completely and utterly thrilling. This is the best Prog album of the 80's in my mind, nothing can beat it. A lot of Zeuhl you hear...is just boring and does exactly what it says on the tin, but this takes it to a new level. It takes Zeuhl and turns it into something outstanding. So please vote for this album, it's a masterpiece and i'd love some other opinions on it. Plus if you haven't already heard it ... you must, leaves me in awe every time I play it.

James has waited a long time for us to act on his recommendation, but at last his suggestion has won the poll, and what a winner it is !

This is the first time I`ve heard the term Zeuhl, so I imagine this album sounds fresher to me than to Skaligojurah, who obviously knows his way around the genre. I loved everything about this album ; the slightly unusual instrumentation, the unrelenting commitment of the musicians and the controlled complexity of the music. I love the way each track is bursting at the seams with chaotic sounds, and yet Dùn manage to keep things stitched together with a few short, repeated motifs which give the baffled newcomer something to hold on to.

I`d agree with James that the album highlight may well be the slow build in the middle of the title track, but there are so many exciting things going on on this album, it`s difficult to select one special section. An easier task is voting: Eros gets an unequivocal "Brilliant" from me !

PS. I`ve just got hold of what I imagine is a cd re-issue, with alternative versions of three of the original tracks. At first listening, these versions sound really different from the tracks selected for the album. Anyone else have an opinion or explanation ?

View Poll Results: How would you rate this album?
Horrible!	0	0%
Bad	0	0%
Mediocre	1	20.00%
Good	0	0%
Very Good	1	20.00%
Brilliant!	3	60.00%
Voters: 5. You may not vote on this poll

02-08-2011, 03:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
~~James~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Scotland Posts: 4,483	I think Dun are much better than Magma to be fair.