Catharsis ~ France

Catharsis Volume II "Les Chevrons" (1972)

Catharsis' second album is quite simply music for liquid light shows. Head music as they would call it back in the day. I found this to be an improvement from their debut Masq. The instrumental psychedelic rock music of Les Chevrons is more compact, and demonstrate more compositional quality than the strictly atmospheric Masq. The title track, with its haunting organ melody, is particularly memorable. This isn't meant to be challenging prog music. Kick back, digest your beverage of choice, and let the music take you to new places you haven't been. Or at least enjoy the slide projector.

Ownership: 

1975 Festival (LP). Gatefold.

1990 Griffe (CD). Includes all of Masq and three different songs from various singles.

1994 (acquired); 4/3/13; 3/3/24 (review)

Vol. 4: Illuminations (1972)

Even though this is Catharsis' 4th album, and many online discographies list the album from 1975 - in reality it was recorded at the same time as their first three albums (including an EP). Musically it ties closest to their debut Masq. Essentially it's atmospheric rock music with wordless female vocals and a psychedelic backdrop. Not the kind of album to knock your socks off (presuming you would want such an occurrence), but for a pleasant mid-evening listening session, it serves its purpose.

Ownership: 1975 Festival (LP). Gatefold. 

1996 (acquired); 11/18/20 (review)

Catharsis Masq (1971)

Catharsis' debut is like an imaginary instrumental psychedelic soundtrack album, with wordless female vocals. 1969 Pink Floyd plays a huge role in their sound at this point in their career. It's mostly atmospheric, and doesn't offer much detail for the attentive listener. However, as background music while driving, it more than serves its purpose. 'Tunnel Extatique' is certainly the highlight of the four track set.

Ownership: 1990 Griffe (CD). Includes Les Chevrons. The title is a bit misleading because it indicates that you are also receiving the 3rd album - an EP called '32 Mars'. This is not the case. Rather you receive three singles, including the aforementioned 'Masq', in addition to the single edit version of 'Les Chevrons' and, of course, '32 Mars'.

1993 (first acquired); 1998; 4/3/13; 9/1/19 (review)

Three of the early Catharsis albums were self-titled, so when Festival reissued their early albums in 1975, they appended titles to them. Those names stuck, as that's how most collectors refer to their albums by. Catharsis were a relatively popular band in their day with six albums and 13 singles, not counting the many collaborations they were involved in.

Other albums I own and need to review: Le Bolero du Veau des Dames; Et S'aimer Et Mourir

9/1/19 (new entry)