Pazop - Psychillis Of A Lunatic Genius (1972-73) (2009)

Formed out of the ashes of Belgian bands such as WALLACE COLLECTION, WATERLOO and ARKHAM, PAZOP was heavily influenced by Frank ZAPPA, Canterbury bands but also classical composers such as Tchaikovski, Dvorak, Mozart, Verdi etc.. PAZOP is a typical Belgian zany group of those years and they fit quite nicely into the Belgian more experimental tradition that will later include AKSAK MABOUL, UNIVERS ZERO, COS etc.. Frank Wuyts on KB, Dirk Bogaert on vocals and flute, Patrick Cogneaux on bass and Jacky Mauer on drums and percussions of all sorts, were joined by Polish member Kuba Szczepanski on violin.

Their sound is rather unique due to the fact that no guitars appear on the album. Although they had no problems getting a record contract and they recorded quickly they had all sorts of problem to get the album released due to commercial potential in France and had to copy their master tape to be able to release it. A second album was also partially recorded (included on the Musea release) before the band folded.

PAZOP's music is likely to appeal strongly to all Canterbury sound fans as well as ZAPPA. Much recommended.