Des Traces Retrouvées 3

Exotica. discogs.com/Michel-Banabila-Des-Traces-Retrouvees-3/release/2658866 AUDION MAGAZINE #9 - page 28 (1988): Banabila's ambient and minimal music is played largely on synth and electric guitar. He tends to favour the use of harmonics on the guitar, providing the music with gentle bell-like sonorities. The first few pieces are restrained, almost distant, quite like music from Eno's "On Land". Very pleasant, but after a while, approaching anonymity. Then, the final track on side 1 introduces new, brighter, metallic, gamelan influenced timbres, greater rhythmic definition, and a raised energy level. The second side continues with a more eclectic approach. "Workers" is an example of the ambient/industrial sound, foreboding, yet beautiful, bringing the work of J. Greinke to mind, while "A Sharp Silver Line" is reminiscent of the more activated pieces from K. Leimer's excellent "Imposed Order" with nice guitar work added. "The Monkey Gets Confused" is an odd ditty with a synthesized motif which sounds like a Third World double reed, coupled with delay techniques and a background of wispy and otherwise appropriate sounds. Banabila shows invention and great promise (Dean Suzuki)