wapassou

WAPASSOU: Wapassou (CD)

Originally released in 1974, Wapassou’s debut album introduced the highly individual sound of this progressive group from Strasbourg. Rather than relying on a conventional rock line-up, the core trio built its music around Freddy Brua’s keyboards, Jacques Lichti’s violin and Karin Nickerl’s guitar and vocals.

The album combines chamber-like arrangements with psychedelic rock, electronic textures and extended instrumental development. Organ and violin carry much of the melodic and rhythmic movement, while the guitar often supplies subtle patterns instead of traditional rock riffs. “Rien” unfolds through more than ten minutes of haunting, carefully paced interplay, while “Châtiment” adds percussion, flute and whispered French vocals to create a darker, hypnotic atmosphere.

The closing “Trip” is the album’s most expansive composition, moving from delicate atmospheric passages into a lengthy psychedelic improvisation featuring bass, drums, percussion, electric guitar and sitar. This remastered Lion Productions edition also includes both tracks from Wapassou’s rare 1974 single, “Femmes-fleurs” and “Borgia,” and comes in a digipak with a detailed 16-page illustrated booklet.

Track listing

1. Mélopée – 3:59
2. Rien – 10:38
3. Musillusion – 3:54
4. Châtiment – 6:48
5. Trip – 13:37

Bonus Tracks

6. Femmes-fleurs – 2:42
7. Borgia – 2:22

Edition: Remastered digipak CD with 2 bonus tracks and 16-page illustrated booklet

Bonus tracks: Both sides of Wapassou’s rare single, recorded in October 1974