Search - Richard Pinhas, Heldon :: Allez Teia

Not typical for Heldon, but Heldon's first great release

Micah R. Sisk | Frederick, MD USA | 04/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1992 release of Heldon's second album, Allez Teia (1975) represents the first of Heldon's seminal recordings. The core of what would become Heldon's typical line-up is here (Richard Pinhas and Georges Grunblatt) and though much of this CD is in the style of Robert Fripp's work with Brian Eno, there are several absolute masterpieces of 70s music included on this disc (the first three tracks especially).The musical references to Fripp and Eno are out in the open here. Titles like "In the Wake of King Fripp" and "Omar Diop Blondin" (which is dedicated in the liner notes to Fripp and Eno) make it clear that Pinhas at least was a huge admirer of Fripp's work. That compliment was later paid back when Pinhas found out that Fripp had become an admirer of Heldon. There are other musical references here, such as "Moebius" which, perhaps not coincidentally, is strikingly similar to the German group Cluster (one of whose members is named Moebius). And "Aphanisis", which has a lot in common with the solo works of ex-Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips, or even "Michel Ettori", which reminds this reviewer of the acoustic guitar work of early Pink Floyd (think "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast" or "Granchester Meadows").Oddly enough, I recently read an interview with Richard Pinhas from the early 1990s wherein he states that this album does not withstand the test of time. I cannot disagree with him more. Its musical references aside, Allez Teia, for me represents Heldon's first great work. It is less aggressive in mood than many later Heldon releases and avoids the blistering sequencer-driven romps they later became known for but it is a cohesive, concise and never overstated work (unlike Heldon III, It's Always Rock 'N' Roll, which followed close on the heals of this album's 1975 release). Allez Teia effectively generates a unified listening experience complete with thoughtful and evocative sound worlds, brooding landscapes and gentle musical niches (plus it includes some smashingly lush 'n' juicy mellotron strings!).Whether you're a fan of Heldon, Robert Fripp, Brian Eno, or any mid-1970s electronic music, this CD is bound to please. There are tracks here that will stay with you the rest of your life."

Heldon II - 'Allez Teia' (Cuneiform)

Mike Reed | USA | 10/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released in 1975,this was the French band's second lp.I've heard about Heldon LONG before obtaining a copy of this Cuneiform reissue.Heldon,on this CD anyway sounds to be part electronic,part progressive art rock.Heldon was apparently influenced by Robert Fripp&Brian Eno.It shows on one of the tracks,"In The Wake Of King Fripp" which I liked as well as "Omar Diop Blondin" and the 12-minute "Fluence:Continuum".At the point of 'Allez Teia',Heldon was strictly a duo,Richard Pinhas who had an assistant,Georges Grublatt who helped him out on guitars,synthesizer and mellotron.I'd like to find some more Heldon reissues.I understand that Pinhas tours the states every now and then.Long live Heldon.In both music and spirit."

Arche-Ambient

Mark Champion | San Antonio, TX United States | 12/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mellotron beds and washes abound, as do simple acoustic guitar textures; Richard Pinhas' electric leads throughout are even more dutifully Frippish and sinewy than on the debut. The synths are ardently and appropriately noodly. And 'Moebius' sounds like - - well, Dieter Moebius, of course. It all comes off so arch, in fact, that it's hard to take any of it seriously - - and that's good, as it's really music about other music. Meta-music? Bien sur, et c'est all about l'ambiance anyhoo."