Generation Sans Futur

LP version. Generation Sans Futur (Generation Without a Future), Art Zoyd's third LP originally released in 1980 through Atem Records, returns to the sound (and lineup, plus Daniel Denis (Univers Zero)) of the group's first album, Symphonie Pour le Jour ou Bruleront les Cites (SR 330CD/LP). The 17-minute La Ville is a powerful epic, featuring Thierry Zaboitzeff's prehistoric grunts, complex time shifts, and a tribal/ritualistic feel once again close to the spirit of Magma. But unlike Musique pour l'Odyssee (the title-track of Art Zoyd's second album (SR 364CD/LP)), the music here is fast-paced, less atmospheric, more organized. It plays on the tension that would remain the basis of Art Zoyd's originality: a tribal, atavistic feel contrasting with contemporary classical aesthetics. Actually, Generation Sans Futur may lean more toward the contemporary side, as exemplified by pieces like Divertissement, Trois Miniatures, and the manic Speedy Gonzales. Generation Sans Futur, on the other hand, taps into a more visceral progressive rock format and percussionist Daniel Denis actually gets to play drums for a couple of minutes, giving the piece an unusual drive. A strong album, unavailable for years, now reissued with new artwork.