Catastrophe - 1982 - High Dynamic

Catastrophe

1982

High Dynamic

01. Longue Distance (6:30)
02. Noche De Marcha (7:10)
03. Pas Si Serieux (9:40)
04. Rouge Mer Outre-Vert (10:20)
05. High Dynamic (10:30)

Bass – Pascal Dumont
Drums – Serge Vuillier
Guitar – Christian Freytag
Saxophone [Saxo] – Manuel Godek

Recorded at "Street Level" studio, London from 6 to 14 July 81

CATASTROPHE were an obscure Jazz/Rock band out of France who released this sole album in 1982. The title "High Dynamic" certainly is a good description of the music here as we get this relentless brand of Fusion from this four piece of drums, guitar, sax and bass. The guitarist and bassist composed these songs and I have to say the bass player is the star here as he steals the show but all are outstanding. It took a while to come to grips with the prominent sax often blasting away and that tempo that didn't seem to change much but I was won over big time.

"Longue Distance" opens with a car starting and getting into gear then honking before it takes off. The bass kicks in before the sax and drums follow suit. The sax is leading the way and it sounds like two different sax sounds trading off for a while. This isn't as energetic as what will come. Check out the drumming before 4 minutes as the guitar jumps in soloing away. The sax is back leading at 41/2 minutes as the guitar steps aside. Catchy stuff. It ends with the sounds of cars going by.

"Noche De Marcha" opens with the sounds of traffic as a man shouts "Taxi!". The sax is blasting with the bass and drums supporting. Check out that bass though just before the guitar arrives. These guys are so impressive. The guitar eventually lets it rip. It seems to be winding down with some adventerous sax. Then the bass and intricate guitar lead late to end it. Great track.

"Pas Si Serieux" is a nice change as we get picked guitar and atmosphere. This is so good! Some heavy outbursts come and go. Nice. Love that bass man. And it will solo as the drums and sax kick in. So good! Incredible in fact. The guitar takes charge as the drums and bass join in, sax too. The bass sounds so weird here before reverting back to it's original sound but not for long. Check out that guitar as they seem to jam.

"Rouge Mer Outre-Vert" has this loud atmosphere and experimental sounds, voices and more. Not sure what's going on. The bass arrives then sax. Some crazy bass gymnastics here as it kicks in an uptempo sound just before 2 minutes. Impressive! It then settles back quickly but the tempo does shift on this one. I like that guitar after 6 1/2 minutes although I'm more impressed with the bass.

"High Dynamic" opens with intricate guitar sounds and more before the drums roll in then bass. Sax before 1 1/2 minutes on this uptempo tune. Just kicking it hard before 3 1/2 minutes. Oh my! The drumming is intricate and the bass relentless as the sax lights it up. Love the guitar 8 minutes in or so as it's higher pitched. How do they keep this pace up. It winds down late. Why none of these guys didn't show up in other bands beyond this is difficult to understand. Back to their daily lives and jobs I suppose, such a shame as they were so incredibly talented.

Catastrophe's sole album reminds me a lot of Missus Beastly – circa their brilliant 1974 album. Tight, tight compositions, with great melodies. And then when it's time to jam, they let loose all within some great rhythmic interplay. Whereas Missus Beastly has 2 wind players and keys, Catastrophe deploys a guitar/sax assault. The drummer here really lights it up too. Not to mention some monster, almost Zeuhl style, bass riffs. Funny, as the first track (of five total) is by far the most ordinary and had me thinking that at least I got my money's worth, but nothing extraordinary. But starting with the phenomenal second song (and where Missus Beastly immediately entered my mind) it really kicks in and never lets up from there. Whew!