The French duo Fulguromatic presents their self-titled debut: an audacious and forward-thinking synthesis of Zeuhl, Rock in Opposition, Progressive Rock, and Jazz Rock, imbued with unmistakable Canterbury Scene nuances. Released on April 4, 2025 via the revered Spanish label áMARXE, the album comprises eight medium-length compositions, shaped by an instrumental aesthetic that places experimentation and avant-garde textures at the core of its musical identity. The opening track, “The Sigh of a Whittled Grove,” unfolds with a soft jazz-inflected introduction—delicate, wind-forward, and tonally rich—gradually intensifying into an Avant-Prog crescendo. The vocal layering and ambient backdrop clearly reflect Rock in Opposition sensibilities, executed with a distinctive stylistic touch. Here, Jazz Rock grooves meet Canterbury-inspired flourishes, achieving a sophisticated and organic fusion of styles. It’s a compelling opener that lays bare the band’s command of dynamics, effortlessly moving between elegant minimalism and intricate, virtuosic sections. The result is a refined, multifaceted piece that bridges vintage references with a modern experimental edge. “The Unconceivable Curse of Atahualpa” follows with syncopated rhythms and commanding keyboard lines, quickly asserting itself as one of the album’s most elaborate and technically rich compositions. The wind arrangements shine, alternating between bursts of virtuosity and poised harmonic textures. The track navigates the borders of Jazz Fusion and Avant-Prog with clarity and precision, crafting a complex yet remarkably accessible instrumental journey. It’s a striking balance of cerebral arrangements and energetic execution. Clocking in at just under two minutes, “Hidden Realm” is the shortest track on the album and also served as its lead single. Built on loops, repetition, and textural layering, this vignette acts as both a sonic teaser and a transitional moment, guiding the listener seamlessly toward the next movement. Its accompanying video enhances the piece’s abstract, immersive qualities. With “Top 5 des citations d’Albert Einstein,” the album plunges into a hypnotic convergence of Jazz Rock and Zeuhl, driven by electronic loops and layered effects. Male vocals—deep and introspective—introduce a surrealist element, soon met by female vocal counterpoints that heighten the Psychedelia. The piece is a kaleidoscope of styles: Space Rock rhythms, Zeuhl-like bass urgency, xylophone patterns, and soaring synth textures all find space to breathe. The result is an addictive, immersive track that updates classic French progressive traditions with contemporary flair and a distinctly personal stamp. The exploratory spirit continues with “Nutriscore Z,” where shifting tempos, ethereal female vocalizations, and a choral backbone lead the charge. The band pushes Zeuhl into even more Avant-Garde territory, marrying Experimental phrasing with meticulous composition. The arrangement is dense but never overwhelming, and the interplay between modern sound design and traditional instrumentation makes this track a genuine highlight—both eclectic and conceptually cohesive. Despite its relatively modest length, “Lil’ Appeau” (just over three minutes) unveils a softer, more introspective dimension. Dreamlike keyboard motifs merge with flute passages and subtle percussive textures, crafting a serene, melancholic atmosphere. The Jazz Rock foundation is still present, but here it leans toward impressionism, offering respite before the final push of the album.
“An Odd Bird’s Bill” returns to more groove-oriented terrain, boasting Jazzy phrasing, nimble time changes, and playful vocal-flute interplay. A masterclass in rhythm, the drumming is both technical and expressive, guiding the composition’s tonal shifts while the bass grounds it with depth and gravitas. The blending of Zeuhl, Jazz Rock, and Avant-Prog is particularly seamless here. The album closes with “Grmmf,” its most extended and ambitious piece, clocking in at over seven minutes. It launches with bold xylophone lines reminiscent of Zappa’s more cerebral works, soon joined by rich wind arrangements that channel the essence of Canterbury and Jazz Prog. The rhythm section operates with precision, navigating a landscape of continuous tempo variations and thematic metamorphoses. A choral finale nods to the grandeur of Magma, culminating in an expansive and experimental outro that underlines the band’s compositional prowess and Progressive vision. With Fulguromatic, this French duo delivers a debut that confidently transcends stylistic boundaries. Their approach—rooted in eclecticism, instrumental dexterity, and a taste for the Avant-Garde—feels both mature and refreshingly daring. The album interlaces Zeuhl, Canterbury, and Avant-Prog with nuanced Jazz Rock flourishes, shaping a sound that is unmistakably personal and forward-looking. This is not merely a debut, but a statement of intent: a compelling collection of genre-defying compositions, executed with intelligence and character. The promise shown here is undeniable, and it will be exciting to see where this inspired project ventures next.
Tracklist
01. The Sigh of a Whittled Grove 06:31
02. The Unconceivable Curse of Atahualpa 05:18
03. Hidden Realm 01:53 video
04. Top 5 des citations d’Albert Einstein 06:57
05. Nutriscore Z 06:43
06. Lil’ Appeau 03:43
07. An odd Bird’s Bill 04:28
08. Grmmf 07:49
Lineup
Paul Cossé / Fender Rhodes, Automated Flute, Bottle Flute, Voices, Xylophone, Piano, Percussions, Banjoline
Lancelot Rio / Drums, Automated Bass Synth, Voices, Xylophone, Piano, Synth, Bird Call, Percussions, Guitars