(Thanks to CrimsonKing and his new blog Brain Damage)

Second studio album of the Von Zamla incarnation features an expanded lineup of six, including Univers Zero reeds man Michel Berckmans. “No Make Up!” is undeniably an avant progressive tour de force.

Throughout the album, it’s once again Lars Hollmer’s familiar accordion, that drives most of the Nordic European style folk melodies. The ensemble work is tight, in typical chamber music fashion, with the aggressive rock edge provided by guitarist Eino Haapala, the same role he played for the Zamla clan prior.

It’s fair to say that most of the groups in the Rock in Opposition camp find it hard to avoid some crazy improvisation, sort of their bitch-slap to the establishment. Here Von Zamla only utilize one piece for that, the unbelievably irritating (and mercifully short) ‘Voice Improvisation’. Fortunately the remainder of the tracks remain composed, energetic and satisfying.

The album opener “Forge Etude”, is a rework from the Zamla Mammaz Manna incarnation’s final album “Familjesprickor”.

Line-up:
- Michel Berckmans / bassoon, oboe
- Eino Haapala / guitar, vocals
- Lars Hollmer / keyboards, accordion
- Hans Louhelainen / keyboards, melodica
- Wolfgang Salomon / bass, guitaron
- Marten Tiselius / drums
with
- Kalle Eriksson / trumpet (4), percussion

Track List:
01. Forge Etude – 4:07
02. Soon Series – 7:25
03. Fur Munju Indojazz – 6:01
04. Gilmit – 4:31
05. Hopeful – 4:35
06. Endanko – 3:51
07. Piece of Antsong – 2:45
08. Voice Improvisation – 3:49
09. After Smrt – 5:14
10. Cancion de Bi-Me-Mela – 3:25

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